Description
Papo Secos are light, airy Portuguese rolls with a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior. These rolls are perfect for sandwiches, as a side for soups or stews, or simply enjoyed with a smear of butter. Their delicious texture and authentic flavor make them a beloved addition to any meal.
Ingredients
For Activating the Yeast:
½ cup lukewarm water (105°F to 110°F / 41°C to 43°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Bread:
5 cups bread flour, plus up to 3 tablespoons more if needed
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (105°F to 110°F / 41°C to 43°C)
1 tablespoon table salt
2 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter
Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar on low speed. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Bread: Add bread flour, remaining water, and butter into the yeast mixture. Stir on low speed for 3 minutes to form dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes. Add salt, mix for 5 minutes, then knead on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. If dough is sticky, add more flour as needed. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
- Shape the Dough: After folding the dough for 2 minutes, let rest for another 30 minutes. Divide dough into 10 pieces. Shape each into a ball and let rest for 20 minutes. Flatten each ball into a 6-inch disc and form a half-moon shape. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Papo Secos: Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Dust a baking peel with cornmeal and transfer the dough onto it. Add hot water to a tray in the oven for steam. Lower oven temp to 425°F (218°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool: Let rolls cool on a rack for a few hours for the best crust.
Notes
For a herb-infused twist, add finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough.
For cheese rolls, mix shredded cheese like Parmesan into the dough before baking.
Mini rolls can be made by dividing dough into smaller pieces and reducing baking time.
Ensure dough rises in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
