Pan de Agua (Water Bread)

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and adds a unique flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories and dairy-free.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey provides natural sweetness with additional flavor.

Heat 2 cups of room temperature water in the microwave for one minute.

Check the water temperature with a thermometer to ensure it is between 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a small bowl, pour the water and add 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring to dissolve.

Add 1 package of Rapid rise instant yeast and stir well, then cover and place in the oven to proof for 20 minutes.

In a medium bowl, measure and place 5 cups of bread flour and add 1 tablespoon of salt, mixing with a whisk.

After 20 minutes, remove the yeast mixture from the oven; it should be foamy.

Using a stand mixer, pour the yeast mixture into the mixing bowl and add 1 cup of bread flour at a time, mixing on the lowest setting until all flour is incorporated.

Once the dough is formed and no longer sticky, remove it from the dough hook and shape it into a ball.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a dish towel, and place in the oven to proof for 2 hours.

Brush a perforated baking pan with olive oil and sprinkle the bottom with cornmeal.

In a small bowl, add 2 egg whites and 1 tablespoon of water, stirring until blended.

After 2 hours, remove the dough from the oven, cut it into two equal parts, and shape each into a loaf measuring 12 to 14 inches.

Place the loaves in the baking pan and brush the tops with the egg wash.

Make 3 to 4 small diagonal cuts on top of each loaf with a sharp knife.

Microwave 1 cup of water for 2 minutes and 15 seconds until it boils, then pour it into a shallow baking pan in the oven.

Place the baking pan with the loaves on the top rack and the shallow pan with boiling water on the bottom rack.

Wait for 10 minutes before turning on the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens