| Prep: 1 hour 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 2.9g | 0.5g | 61.5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8.4g | 2.1g | 8.3g | 0.6g |
About Pan de Sal
Spanning the distance of oceans and generations, the tradition of Pan de Sal is a cornerstone of Filipino culture. Whether it’s in the bustling city streets of Manila or your home kitchen, the comforting aroma of Pan de Sal is inextricably intertwined with moments of satisfaction and community. This unassuming bread boasts a simple, yet disciplined culinary process that demands care and dedication, but rewards with a unique flavor profile that balances sweet and mild flavors, perfectly understated and yet, unforgettable.
The Story Behind Pan de Sal
Translating to “salt bread” in Spanish, Pan de Sal is a misnomer that belies its true culinary nature. Rather than taking on a salt-heavy flavor profile, this bread embraces a gentle sweetness, complemented by the subtle, fresh flavor of yeast and flour. It’s an everyday bread that goes back centuries yet remains an intrinsic part of modern Filipino culture. In the Philippines, you would find it in small bakeries and sold on the streets, promising an affordable and heartwarming snack or breakfast staple. Marvel at the infinite ways a loaf of Pan de Sal can be enjoyed – buttered, jam-spread, or simply appreciated plain with a cup of coffee.
A Universal Bread With a Unique Touch
As diverse as culinary traditions can be, bread universally binds cultures. What makes Pan de Sal a standout is its unique coating of bread crumbs, creating a distinct texture that adds character beyond the norm – a lovely twist to an age-old recipe. This humble yet delightful detail gives Pan de Sal its signature rustic appeal, a testament to the beauty of finely honed, traditional baking techniques.
Complementing Your Meal
The versatile nature of Pan de Sal shines in its ability to pair splendidly with a variety of dishes. Its mildly sweet flavor profile makes it a wonderful companion for savory dishes such as Chicken Adobo or Beef Tapa, balancing the bold flavors with its subtle sweetness. But don’t just stop at dinner – feel free to enjoy your Pan de Sal with a spread of cream cheese or dipped in hot chocolate for a delightful breakfast treat.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Method
Step One
First, pour 1 cup of warm water into a large bowl. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast has dissolved completely.
Step Two
Add the 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil into the yeast mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Then, stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
Step Three
Sift in 3 cups of all-purpose flour gradually, mixing it in as you go. Continue to knead in the bowl until the dough pulls away from the edges. Make sure to dust with extra flour if the dough sticks to your hands or the bowl.
Step Four
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step Five
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs and place them on a baking sheet.
Step Six
Let the dough balls rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size again.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the bread rolls for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. This tasty Pan de Sal is now ready to be enjoyed!
