hard dough bread jamaican recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
hard dough bread jamaican recipe
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The Best hard dough bread jamaican recipe

I’ve been making hard dough bread for years, and it’s a staple in our household. The recipe I’m sharing today is a traditional Jamaican recipe that’s been passed down through generations. It’s a simple yet flavorful bread that’s perfect for everyday eating or as a special treat for guests.

My family loves it when I make this bread, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The end result is a delicious, crusty bread that’s packed with flavor and texture.

The key to making great hard dough bread is to use a combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water. The yeast is what gives the bread its rise and makes it light and airy. I like to use a wooden spoon to mix the dough, as it helps to develop the gluten in the flour.

This gives the bread its characteristic chewiness. One of the best things about hard dough bread is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it on its own, or use it as a base for sandwiches or toast.

It’s also perfect for dipping into soups or stews. I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of flour, but I find that all-purpose flour works best. It gives the bread a nice texture and flavor that’s hard to replicate with other flours.

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread

Jamaican Hard Dough Bread

4.8 from 1305 votes

This traditional Jamaican hard dough bread is a dense, slightly sweet loaf with a firm crumb and a golden crust. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and sugar, it is a staple in Caribbean households for breakfast or as a side.

Prep Time2 hours 30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 15 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening or butter, softened
1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in 1/4 cup of the warm water.
2Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
4Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5Add the yeast mixture, remaining warm water, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture.
6Stir with a wooden spoon until a stiff dough forms.
7Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 15 to 20 minutes, adding flour as needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
8Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat.
9Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.
5 hours, or until doubled in size.
10Punch down the dough, then knead briefly on a floured surface for 2 to 3 minutes to release air bubbles.
11Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
12Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
13Preheat the oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes of rising.
14In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water to make the glaze.
15Brush the top of the risen loaf with the glaze.
16Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
17The internal temperature should reach 190°F.
18Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
19This allows the crumb to set properly.
20Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or dough hook
Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
9×5 inch loaf pan
Pastry brush
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a softer crust, brush the hot bread with melted butter after baking. The dough will be very stiff; kneading thoroughly is essential for the dense texture. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.

Watch Video Of How Jamaican Hard Dough Bread Works

Hard dough bread is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s perfect for family gatherings or as a snack for everyday eating.

One of my favorite ways to serve this bread is by slicing it thinly and serving it with soups or stews. You can also use it as a base for sandwiches or toast.

To store leftover bread, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaican Hard Dough Bread

What type of flour should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using all-purpose flour. It provides a good balance of strength and tenderness in the finished bread.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough needs to rise for at least 1 hour, but it can take up to 2 hours depending on the temperature and environment.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, you’ll need to rehydrate the yeast by mixing it with warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.

How do I know if the bread is fully risen?

The bread is fully risen when it has doubled in size and has a light, airy texture.

Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, you can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven before serving.

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