| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 218 | 3g | 1g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 1g | 6g | 0.4g |
About Pandesal
Allow us to introduce you to the magnificent world of Pandesal. This fabulous bread hailing from the Philippines is a delightful concoction of basic kitchen staples arranged into soul-warming goodness. The crumbly exterior belies a soft and fluffy interior, giving it a satisfying mouthfeel that makes it a hard bread to resist.
A Brief History of Pandesal
Unlike the flamboyant pastries and breads of other cuisines, the Pandesal keeps a low profile with its unassuming look. However, don’t let its plain exterior fool you into dismissing it as an average bread roll. Its humble beginnings lie in the fields of the Philippines, a country where rice rules the dietary regime, but bread like Pandesal always finds a special spot at the breakfast table.
What started as an inexpensive bread for the common Filipino has now become their national bread, enjoyed not just for breakfast but at any time of the day. But the beauty of Pandesal lies not just in its taste and texture but in its simplicity. Some can argue that it’s even easier to make than other Filipino breads, requiring only a handful of readily available ingredients.
How Pandesal Complements Your Meal
Nothing quite compares to waking up to the smell of freshly baked Pandesal. Served best when hot, tearing into this lovely roll reveals its slightly sweet, milky interiors that positively melt in your mouth, making it a perfect companion to a piping hot cup of coffee.
Pandesal can also work wonders as an accompaniment to soups, stews, and curries – its soft, fluffy interior excellently soaking up those flavorful gravies and sauces. The beauty of this bread is its versatility, lending itself perfectly to both sweet and savory fillings. Try pairing it with spiced meat for a delightful sandwich or slathering it with some sweet jam for a post-meal treat.
The journey of the Pandesal from a humble bread roll to a beloved national icon is a testament to its charm. It creates a sense of home, warms the heart, and fills the belly. So why not make some today and let the delicious smells wafting out of your kitchen lure your loved ones to the breakfast table? Trust us- it is worth every crumb.
What You’ll Need
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
Method
Step One
First, dissolve the 2 teaspoons active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons white sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Let this sit for about 10 minutes until the liquid looks frothy.
Step Two
While waiting, mix the 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered milk, and 1 teaspoon salt in another bowl.
Step Three
Stir in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step Four
Knead the dough using your hands for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
Step Five
Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step Six
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small equal parts. Roll each part into a log and roll it in the 1/4 cup of bread crumbs.
Step Seven
Arrange the dough pieces on a greased baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they double in size.
Step Eight
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C (approximately 375 degrees F) and bake the dough logs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Step Nine
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy your homemade Pandesal!
