Pan de Guayaba

Name: Pan de Guayaba
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Venezuela
Ingredients: Plain flour — 400 g (3 1/4 cups); Instant yeast — 7 g (2 1/4 tsp); Sugar — 60 g (1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp); Salt — 1/2 tsp; Egg — 1; Warm milk — 200 ml (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp); Butter, softened — 60 g (1/4 cup); Guava paste, cut into strips — 200 g (7 oz); Egg, beaten, for glazing — 1

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Plain flour — 400 g (3 1/4 cups)
Instant yeast — 7 g (2 1/4 tsp)
Sugar — 60 g (1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp)
Salt — 1/2 tsp
Egg — 1
Warm milk — 200 ml (3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp)
Butter, softened — 60 g (1/4 cup)
Guava paste, cut into strips — 200 g (7 oz)
Egg, beaten, for glazing — 1

Method

In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt.
Add the egg, warm milk and softened butter, and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal portions.
Flatten each portion slightly and place a strip of guava paste in the centre, folding the dough over to enclose it completely.
Shape into a smooth roll and place on a baking tray, seam-side down.
Cover loosely and let rise for a further 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush each roll with beaten egg for a glossy finish. 10Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown. 11Cool slightly before serving warm.

Introduction: This soft, slightly sweet bread filled with guava paste reflects Venezuela's love of tropical fruit flavours baked into everyday treats, popular at bakeries as a breakfast pastry or afternoon snack alongside coffee.

Cultural Background: This soft, slightly sweet bread filled with guava paste reflects Venezuela's love of tropical fruit flavours baked into everyday treats, popular at bakeries as a breakfast pastry or afternoon snack alongside coffee.

Tips: Seal the guava paste completely inside the dough to prevent it from leaking and burning during baking. Let the dough rise fully both times for the softest, fluffiest texture. Serve warm, ideally alongside a cup of coffee.

Variations: Use cream cheese alongside the guava paste for a classic sweet-tangy combination. Sprinkle with a little sugar before baking for a light, sweet crust. Add a dusting of powdered sugar after baking for a more festive presentation. Vegetarian as written; a vegan version can use plant-based butter, a flax egg and plant milk.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm briefly in an oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5 minutes to refresh.

FAQs:

Q: What is guava paste?

A: Guava paste is a firm, sweet, concentrated preserve made from guava fruit, widely used in Latin American baking and available at most Latin grocery stores.

Q: Can I add cheese to this bread?

A: Yes, cream cheese alongside the guava paste is a popular, classic pairing enjoyed by many.

Q: Can I freeze these rolls?

A: Yes, freeze the baked rolls and thaw at room temperature, then warm briefly in the oven before serving.