PAN de SAL - Filipino Bread Rolls, Pandesal Handmade Recipe

 

Pandesal: More Than Just a Bread

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pandesal wafting through your home.

This beloved Filipino breakfast staple is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of childhood mornings. Imagine the joy of a pandesal peddler's bicycle bell ringing, signaling the arrival of warm, crusty bread. Pandesal, or “salt bread,” is a simple yet delicious roll made from flour, eggs, yeast, sugar, and salt. Its taste and texture are reminiscent of the French baguette and Puerto Rican pan de agua, but with a delightful sweetness that sets it apart.

Let's focus on the cultural significance of pandesal. Pandesal is more than just a breakfast food; it's a symbol of Filipino culture and community. The shared experience of enjoying warm pandesal, often dipped in coffee or hot chocolate, has brought families and friends together for generations. Beyond its taste and texture, pandesal represents comfort, nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of Filipino hospitality. It's a reminder of simpler times and the importance of shared meals.

Pandesal: A Symbol of Community The pandesal peddler, a familiar figure in many Filipino neighborhoods, played a crucial role in fostering community. The daily ritual of purchasing fresh pandesal from the neighborhood vendor created a sense of belonging and connection. It was more than just a transaction; it was a social interaction that strengthened bonds within the community. Regional Variations of Pandesal While the classic pandesal is beloved nationwide, there are also regional variations that reflect the diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines. For instance:

• Ilocos: In the northern region, pandesal is often made with a touch of anise for a unique flavor.
• Cebu: Cebuano pandesal is known for its slightly sweeter taste and softer texture.
• Mindanao: In Mindanao, pandesal may incorporate local ingredients such as coconut milk or cassava flour, giving it a distinct flavor profile.

These regional differences in pandesal highlight the rich tapestry of Filipino food culture and the adaptability of this beloved bread to local tastes and preferences.

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

• 400 g bread flour
• 50 g brown sugar
• 4 g sea salt
• 4 g bread improver
• 50 g unsalted butter, softened
• 7 g yeast
• 20 g milk powder
• 1 pc egg
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tbsp bread crumbs

Procedure:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and bread improver. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients.
3. Combine wet ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture, milk powder, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
6. Shape the pandesal: Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into equal-sized pieces (about 50g each). Roll each piece into a long, thin log and shape it into a small oval.
7. Coat with bread crumbs: Roll each shaped pandesal in bread crumbs to coat evenly.
8. Second rise: Place the shaped pandesal on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pandesal for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Serve: Let the pandesal cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, cheese, or your favorite spread.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
• If you don't have a bread improver, you can omit it.
• For a softer crust, brush the tops of the pandesal with a beaten egg before baking.

Homemade pandesal is a labor of love, but the reward is undeniable. The soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor are simply irresistible. Enjoy this classic Filipino breakfast treat with your loved ones and savor every bite!

Storing Leftover Pandesal:

To maintain freshness, store leftover pandesal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

For longer storage, freeze the pandesal in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and then reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Pandesal Fillings:

Pandesal is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings. Here are some popular options:

• Sweet: butter, jam, honey, chocolate spread, condensed milk
• Savory: cheese, ham, egg salad, tuna salad, sardines

Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pandesal pairing!

Nutritional Value of Pandesal:

While pandesal is a delicious treat, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional content. As with any bread, it's a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body. However, it's also relatively high in calories and sodium due to the butter and salt used in the recipe. Enjoy pandesal in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Pandesal in Filipino Celebrations

Pandesal is an indispensable part of many Filipino celebrations. Whether it's a birthday party, a wedding, or a simple family gathering, pandesal is almost always present. It's a symbol of abundance, sharing, and joy. Moreover, pandesal is often included in gift baskets or as part of food packs distributed during calamities, highlighting its role as a source of comfort and sustenance.

Historical Context:

Pandesal has a rich history in the Philippines. Its origins can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period when the country was introduced to wheat and baking techniques. The name "pan de sal" is Spanish for "salt bread," although the Filipino version is actually sweeter than its name suggests. Pandesal has become a staple in Filipino cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Homemade pandesal is a labor of love, but the reward is undeniable. The soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor are simply irresistible. Enjoy this classic Filipino breakfast treat with your loved ones and savor every bite!