Breadfruit Bread (Pilawa Meh)

Name: Breadfruit Bread (Pilawa Meh)
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Micronesia
Ingredients: Plain flour — 2 cups (250 g / 9 oz); Mashed cooked breadfruit — 1 cup (150 g / 5 oz); Active dry yeast — 2 tsp; Warm water — 3/4 cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz); Sugar — 1 tbsp; Salt — 1 tsp; Oil — 2 tbsp

The Quirky Foodster Team

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90 min

Prep

35 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Plain flour — 2 cups (250 g / 9 oz)
Mashed cooked breadfruit — 1 cup (150 g / 5 oz)
Active dry yeast — 2 tsp
Warm water — 3/4 cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz)
Sugar — 1 tbsp
Salt — 1 tsp
Oil — 2 tbsp

Method

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, then add the mashed breadfruit, oil and yeast mixture.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
Shape into a loaf and place in a greased loaf tin.
Let rise for a further 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Introduction: A dense, subtly sweet loaf made partly from mashed breadfruit, a distinctive bread found across the outer islands.

Cultural Background: Blending mashed breadfruit into a wheat flour dough is a practical way island bakers stretch flour supplies while adding the fruit’s characteristic flavour, producing a bread unlike anything found elsewhere.

Tips: Make sure the mashed breadfruit is well cooled before mixing into the dough, so it doesn’t kill the yeast. Let the loaf cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations: Add a handful of raisins to the dough for a sweeter version. Shape into rolls for individual servings, adjusting baking time down.

Storage: Store at room temperature wrapped in a cloth for up to 1 day; freeze for longer storage.

Reheating: Warm in an oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5–8 minutes to refresh.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx., 1 slice): 170 kcal, 4 g protein, 3 g fat, 32 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use ripe or unripe breadfruit?

A: A ripe, cooked and mashed breadfruit works best for a

Q: Does this bread taste like breadfruit?

A: It has a subtle, slightly sweet undertone from the