Elma'S Bahamian Bread
Bahamian bread features a soft, flavorful crumb with subtle sweetness and a tender texture, perfect for breakfast or as a side for hearty meals, appealing to bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast, warm water, and 2 tablespoons of sugar and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the remaining sugar, margarine or shortening, salt, and 3 cups of flour; beat with a mixer for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add enough flour to form a workable dough.
- Knead the dough for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your warm water is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. When adding flour, do so gradually to avoid a dry dough. If you want a sweeter bread, consider adding a touch more sugar or incorporating spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Bahamian bread is delicious served warm with butter or alongside tropical dishes like grilled fish or jerk chicken. It also pairs beautifully with Vigorous Veggie Soup for a hearty meal. Consider slicing it for sandwiches or toasting it for breakfast with your favorite jam or spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Bahamian bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elma'S Bahamian Bread contains roughly 263 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1939mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser bread. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose to see how you like the texture.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 1-2 hours in a warm environment. You can also test by gently pressing your finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready.
What can I do if my bread doesn't rise?
If your bread doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated in warm water. If the dough is too cold, try placing it in a warmer area or near a preheated oven to encourage rising.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).