Caribbean 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 a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Drizzle 1 tbsp of oil over the dough and begin kneading it in the bowl, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You should feel the dough becoming more pliable and less sticky as you work it. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about an hour.
3. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and place a griddle or heavy baking sheet inside to heat up. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each piece into a round, flat disc about 1 cm thick.
4. Carefully remove the hot griddle or baking sheet from the oven and lightly oil its surface. Place the dough discs onto the griddle, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Return the griddle to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The bread is done when it has puffed up slightly and developed a light golden-brown crust.
5. Remove the griddle bread from the oven and transfer the discs to a wire rack to cool slightly. This cooling step allows the crumb to set properly, ensuring the bread remains soft inside. Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
6. Serve the Caribbean Griddle Bread warm as part of your meal. Its soft interior and slightly crisp crust make it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Enjoy sharing this homemade bread with family and friends around the table.