Brasileiro Griddle Bread

Ingredients

• 400 gflour
• 200 mlwater
• 1 tbspoil
• 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 400 g of flour and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Gradually add 200 ml of water while stirring with your hand or a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Add 1 tbsp of oil and continue to mix until the dough starts to come together.
2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it with the heels of your hands, pushing it away and folding it back over itself. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This can take about an hour, but the dough should feel airy and spring back when gently poked.
4. Preheat your oven to its highest setting and place a griddle or heavy baking sheet inside to heat up. Meanwhile, punch down the risen dough to release excess air and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Gently shape each piece into a ball and flatten it slightly with your hands.
5. Carefully remove the hot griddle or baking sheet from the oven and lightly oil its surface. Place the dough rounds onto the griddle, leaving enough space between them for expansion. Return to the oven and bake until the bread is puffed and golden brown, with a slightly crisp exterior.
6. Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows the crumb to set properly, ensuring a tender interior. The bread should feel light and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Serve the Brasileiro Griddle Bread warm, tearing pieces to share at the table. Its soft, airy texture pairs perfectly with any meal, embodying the communal spirit of Brazilian home cooking.