HOW TO MAKE CUBAN BREAD

In a mixing bowl, combine 1.25 cups of warm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of instant dried yeast. Mix and set aside to froth for 20 minutes.

Add 500 grams of bread flour to the yeast mixture and mix with a fork, then add 2 teaspoons of salt.

Once the mixture is combined, use hands to knead the dough until it is a little crumbly.

Soften 0.25 cups of lard in the microwave and add to the dough, mixing until combined.

Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes soft and silky.

Coat the dough with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and cover it to rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two pieces, rolling each into an oblong shape.

Place the dough on a baking tray sprinkled with coarse semolina and make an indentation with a soaked shoelace or cord.

Cover the dough with a plastic bag and let it rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).

Brush water over the risen dough and bake for 18-20 minutes, basting with water after 5 minutes for a crisp surface.

Equipment Needed

Allergens