Haitian BreadThere's something very distinctive about Haitian Bread. If you've ever purchased some from a Haitian bakery, you know exactly what I mean. The texture itself is a bit denser but when you warm it up, it is amazingly soft. For breakfast, many enjoy it with a side of Haitian Fried Eggs and/or avocados. Others may enjoy it with butter or Haitian peanut butter. There is no limit to what Haitian Bread can be paired with. Most times, we eat it alone.
Since we have no Haitian bakery within 100 mile radius to where we currently live (this unfortunately is a fact), my dad would load us up while we were in Florida to take home and deep freeze it. Once our stash was gone, I ended up learning how to make it myself at home. |
I've noticed that other recipes call for butter, however, I've noticed it doesn't give it that same texture and crust that I am accustomed to from Haitian bakeries. Therefore, I've substituted the butter for vegetable shortening and I've noticed a significant difference. I hope you definitely give this a try. Below includes a video demonstration narrated by my son, Jeremiah. He's a mini chef in the making.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, add the flour and shortening (cut up into smaller pieces). Mix it by hand to crumble the shortening into the flour until well combined, about 3 minutes.
2. To the flour/shortening mixture, add in the salt, sugar, and 1 packet of instant yeast. Mix well by hand to combine.
3. Using a stand mixer, or by hand, mix the flour with 1 1/4 cup of very warm water. Mix until well incorporated. Once combined, let the dough knead for approximately 6 - 8 minutes.
*Some have had issues with the consistency of the dough being "too tacky". In this case, you can reduce the amount of water to 1 cup OR just add more flour. It is OK if it is slightly tacky but you don't want it too wet where it won't come together.*
*Some have had issues with the consistency of the dough being "too tacky". In this case, you can reduce the amount of water to 1 cup OR just add more flour. It is OK if it is slightly tacky but you don't want it too wet where it won't come together.*
4. Add the dough to a bowl greased with olive oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm, dark place for 45 minutes to rise.
5. Place the dough on a clean, floured surface and cut into 8 equal parts. Flatten each piece with a rolling pin or by hand, then tightly roll to form logs.
6. Lightly spray each roll with cooking spray and cover with plastic wrap. Replace in a warm, dark place for 10 minutes (no more than 15).
7. Place the baking sheet with the rolls (plastic wrap removed) in a preheated oven of 350 degrees and bake for 25 minutes. Remove rolls from oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
Video demonstration below:
Posted April 17th, 2020
What do you like to have Haitian bread with? What do you think of this recipe?
Let me know and comment below!
Let me know and comment below!