Portuguese Cornbread

Experience the rustic charm of Portuguese Cornbread, a traditional bread known as *broa* that blends fine yellow cornmeal with all-purpose flour for a perfectly balanced texture. This hearty loaf is brought to life with a touch of olive oil, a hint of sugar, and the earthy depth of active dry yeast. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, this recipe involves a simple kneading process to achieve a smooth and elastic dough, followed by a warm, airy rise. Once baked to a golden perfection, the cornbread boasts a delightfully crispy crust and a soft, tender interior, making it ideal for pairing with soups, stews, or simply enjoyed with a smear of butter. Perfect for anyone seeking a taste of Portugal, this homemade bread is a comforting addition to any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 grams Fine cornmeal (yellow)
• 200 grams All-purpose flour
• 400 milliliters Warm water
• 7 grams Active dry yeast
• 10 grams Sugar
• 10 grams Salt
• 30 milliliters Olive oil
• 0 Extra flour (for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by combining the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Add the salt and stir to combine.

Step 3

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil.

Step 4

Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a sticky dough forms.

Step 5

Sprinkle some extra flour on your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead it for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle additional flour sparingly while kneading.

Step 6

Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cross or crisscross pattern on the top of the loaf.

Step 8

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(971.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2190.7

Total Fat 36.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3962.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 411.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.0g	0%
Total Sugars 12.3g
Protein 46.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 49.6mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 791.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.1%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 76.4%