Jamaican Coco Bread is a delicious, slightly sweet, buttery bread that's perfect for pairing with patties, jerk chicken, or with filling with cheese. Known for its soft, fluffy interior and slightly crisp exterior, this bread is a staple in Jamaican cuisine. The dough is folded with butter, giving it a unique, layered texture that’s a little like a soft dinner roll, but with a richer taste. Let’s dive into how you can make this beloved bread at home!
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F, warm to the touch)
1/4 cup warm water
4 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for brushing
1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This shows that the yeast is active and ready to work.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour the foamy yeast mixture, warm milk, beaten egg, and melted butter into the well in the flour. Mix everything until it forms a dough. You may need to use your hands to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as Coco Bread should be soft.
5. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Divide and Roll the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a circle, about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Add Butter and Fold
Brush the top of each dough circle with melted butter. Fold each circle in half to create a half-moon shape, pressing down lightly to seal. Brush the top again with more melted butter.
8. Second Rise
Place the folded dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.
9. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Bake the Coco Bread
Bake the Coco Bread in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as they should remain soft and tender.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite fillings or on the side of a meal.
Tips for Perfect Coco Bread:
Make Sure Your Yeast is Fresh: Expired yeast can prevent the bread from rising, so always check the expiration date.
Don't Over-knead: Coco Bread should be soft, so knead only until the dough is smooth.
Butter Between Layers: Brushing with butter before folding creates those lovely, pull-apart layers Coco Bread is known for.
Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, filled with a patty, or as a side, Jamaican Coco Bread brings a little bit of island flavor into every bite. Enjoy!
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