Here’s a simple recipe for homemade Pão de Leite (Brazilian milk bread):
Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7g) instant dry yeast
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- Extra butter for brushing (optional)
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm liquid and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and softened butter.
- Make Dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and the egg-butter mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Second Rise: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) during the last 15 minutes of the rising time.
- Bake: Once the dough balls have risen again, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Finish: Optional: Brush the warm bread rolls with melted butter for a glossy finish.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade Pão de Leite warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
This recipe yields deliciously soft and fluffy milk bread rolls that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day. Enjoy!
