Breads
Bajan Salt Bread
Ingredients
- - 500 g (4 cups) strong white bread flour
- - 7 g (2 1/4 tsp) instant dried yeast
- - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- - 1 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1 tbsp softened butter
- - 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) warm water
Method
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt together in a large bowl.
- Rub in the butter, then gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave to rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal rolls, shaping each into a smooth oval.
- Place on a lined baking tray, cover, and prove for a further 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped on the base.
Introduction: Salt bread is the soft, slightly sweet-and-salty bread roll that forms the base of the classic flying fish cutter and countless other Bajan sandwiches.
Cultural Background: Salt bread is the soft, slightly sweet-and-salty bread roll that forms the base of the classic flying fish cutter and countless other Bajan sandwiches. Baked fresh daily in bakeries across the island, its pillowy crumb and thin, crisp crust make it distinct from ordinary dinner rolls found elsewhere in the region.
Tips: A warm, draft-free spot speeds up proving significantly in cooler kitchens. Brush the rolls with a little water just before baking for an authentic thin, crisp crust.
Variations: Add a light egg wash before baking for a shinier crust, a modern bakery variation. Shape into one large loaf instead of individual rolls if preferred.
Storage: Store in a paper or cloth bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm briefly in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes to refresh the crust.
Nutrition: Approx. 190 kcal, 6 g protein, 36 g carbohydrates, 2 g fat per roll.
FAQs:
Q: Why didn’t my dough rise?
A: The yeast may be old, or the water used to activate it may have been too hot or too cold.
Q: Can I freeze salt bread?
A: Yes — freeze baked and cooled rolls in a sealed bag for up to 1 month.