Best 2 Portuguese Farm Bread Recipes

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Portuguese farm bread, also known as pão caseiro, is a delightful and rustic bread that reflects the culinary traditions of Portugal. With its golden-brown crust, soft and airy interior, and a hint of sweetness, this bread is a beloved staple in Portuguese households. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the process of creating this delectable treat. Learn how to gather the essential ingredients, discover the secret behind the perfect dough, and uncover the techniques to achieve the ideal bake. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey and bring the flavors of Portugal into your kitchen as we explore the best recipe for cooking Portuguese farm bread.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PORTUGUESE FARM BREAD



Portuguese Farm Bread image

Provided by Jean Anderson

Categories     Bread     Bread Machine     Bake

Yield Makes one 8-inch round loaf

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup unsifted semolina (durum) flour
1 cup very warm water (110° to 115°F)
3 cups sifted unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • 1. Combine the yeast, semolina flour, and water by churning 10 seconds in a large heavy-duty food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade. Scrape down the sides of the work bowl, re-cover, and let stand until foamy, about 15 minutes.
  • 2. With the machine running, add half the all-purpose flour down the feed tube. It's easier if you pour the flour from a spouted measuring cup into a wide-mouth canning funnel inserted in the feed tube or failing that, a stiff piece of paper rolled into a cone (the opening at the bottom should be at least 1 inch across).
  • 3. Using a plastic spatula, scrape the work bowl, and if necessary, redistribute the dough so that it evenly surrounds the blade - take care! Add the salt and remaining flour, distributing evenly over the dough, and churn for 10 seconds. Again scrape the work bowl and redistribute the dough.
  • 4. Churn the dough for 20 seconds nonstop, shut the machine off, and let the dough rest in the sealed work bowl for 5 minutes. Now churn for another 20 seconds.
  • 5. Leaving the blade in place, carefully redistribute the dough until it's of uniform thinness. Re-cover the work bowl, keeping the pusher in. Note the level of the dough in bulk, estimate what it should be when doubled in bulk, and mark that level on the side of the work bowl.
  • 6. Let the dough rise in the sealed work bowl until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, lightly coat an 8-inch springform pan or 8-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • 7. When the dough has fully doubled, pulse quickly 4 to 5 times to punch down, then churn for 20 seconds nonstop. Let the dough rest in the sealed work bowl for 5 minutes, then churn for another 20 seconds. The dough will roll into a ball and leave the sides of the work bowl reasonably clean.
  • 8. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a ball, then roll in the flour to dust lightly. Place the loaf in the prepared pan, cover with a clean, dry dish towel, and set in a warm, dry spot until nearly doubled in bulk - this will take about 30 minutes.
  • 9. When the dough has risen for 10 minutes, position one rack in the middle of the oven and slide a second rack in the slot just below. Place a large shallow baking pan on the lower rack - I use a 15 1/2 X 10 1/2 X 1-inch jelly roll pan - and half-fill with water. Preheat the over to 500°F.
  • 10. Center the risen loaf on the middle rack and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and continue baking until richly browned and hollow sounding when thumped, 20 to 25 minutes longer.
  • 11. Remove the bread from the pan as soon as it comes from the oven, set right-side-up on a wire rack, and cool to room temperature before cutting.

PAO: PORTUGUESE FARM BREAD



Pao: Portuguese Farm Bread image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h40m

Yield 1 (8-inch) round loaf

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup unsifted semolina (durum) flour
1 cup very warm water (110 to 115 degrees F)
3 cups sifted unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Combine the yeast, semolina flour, and water by pulsing 10 seconds in a large heavy-duty food processor (about 11 cup capacity) fitted with the metal chopping blade. Scrape down the side of the work bowl, recover, and let stand until foamy, about 15 minutes.
  • With the machine running, add 1 1/2 cups of the all-purpose flour down the feed tube. It's easier if the flour is poured from a spouted measuring cup into a wide-mouth canning funnel inserted in the feed tube, or a stiff piece of paper rolled into a cone (the opening at the bottom should be at least 1-inch across).
  • Using a plastic spatula scrape the work bowl and, if necessary, redistribute the dough so that it evenly surrounds the blade. Be careful of the blade. Add the salt and remaining flour, distribute evenly over the dough, and pulse for 10 seconds. Again scrape the work bowl and redistribute the dough.
  • Pulse the dough for 20 seconds nonstop, shut the machine off, and let the dough rest covered in the work bowl for 5 minutes. Now pulse for another 20 seconds.
  • Leaving the blade in place, carefully redistribute the dough until it's of uniform thickness. Recover the work bowl, keeping the pusher from the feed tube in. Note the level of the dough, estimate what it should be when doubled in bulk, and mark that level on the side of the work bowl.
  • Let the dough rise in the sealed work bowl until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, lightly coat an 8-inch springform pan or 8-inch pie pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • When the dough has fully doubled, pulse quickly 4 to 5 times to punch down, then pulse for 20 seconds nonstop. Let the dough rest in the sealed work bowl for 5 minutes, then pulse for another 20 seconds. The dough will roll into a ball and leave the sides of the work bowl reasonably clean.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a ball, then roll in the flour to dust lightly. Place the loaf in the prepared pan, cover with a clean, dry dish towel, and set in a warm, dry spot until nearly doubled in bulk, this will take about 30 minutes.
  • When the dough has risen for 10 minutes, position 1 rack in the middle of the oven and slide a second rack in the slot just below. Place a large shallow baking pan on the lower rack?I use a 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 by 1-inch jelly roll pan?and half-fill with water. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.
  • Center the risen loaf on the middle rack and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees F. and continue to bake until richly browned and hollow sounding when thumped, about 20 to 25 minutes longer.
  • Remove the bread from the pan as soon as it comes from the oven, set right-side up on a wire rack, and cool to room temperature before cutting.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Proof the yeast in warm water before adding it to the dough. This will help it to activate and produce a light, fluffy bread.
  • Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will give the bread a chewy texture.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This will give the yeast time to produce gas, which will create air pockets in the bread.
  • Bake the bread in a preheated oven. This will help to create a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
  • Brush the bread with melted butter or olive oil before baking. This will help to give it a golden brown color.
  • Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will help to prevent it from crumbling.

Conclusion:

Portuguese farm bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings. It is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply served with a bowl of soup or stew. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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