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CaribbeanAuthentic Cuisine

Caribbean Seed Loaf

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegan, Breads & Pastry

Caribbean Seed Loaf

Caribbean Seed Loaf, a staple at home tables across the islands, reflects the art of intuitive cooking. This version captures the essence of family kitchens, where salt is measured by the wisdom of hands, and a generous hand with fat ensures a rich texture. It is a loaf made for sharing, embodying the warmth of communal meals.

This loaf offers a comforting embrace of flavors, where the nutty crunch of sesame seeds meets the soft embrace of tender crumb. The sea salt brings a hint of ocean breeze, a subtle reminder of the island's surrounding waters. Enjoy it warm, a slice of Caribbean comfort, perfect for gathering around the table.

Ingredients

  • 500 gflour
  • 7 gyeast
  • 300 mlwater
  • 2 tbspsesame seeds
  • 1 tspfine sea salt

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g of flour and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Make a small well in the center and add 7 g of yeast. Gradually pour in 300 ml of lukewarm water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pushing it away with the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, which will give the loaf its structure.
  3. Place the kneaded dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This will take about an hour, and you'll know it's ready when you gently press a finger into the dough and the indentation remains.
  4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges into the center and rolling it into a tight log. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of sesame seeds onto the surface and gently press them into the dough.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Place the shaped loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes while the oven heats, which will help the loaf hold its shape during baking.
  6. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The loaf is done when it has a deep golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This indicates that the interior is fully baked.
  7. Remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and allows the crumb to set properly, ensuring a good texture.
  8. Slice the Caribbean Seed Loaf while still slightly warm and serve it with your meal. The warm, nutty flavor of the sesame seeds complements a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any table.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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