Broa Portuguese Cornbread

Discover the heartwarming flavors of Broa, a traditional Portuguese cornbread that beautifully combines rustic charm with wholesome ingredients. Made with a mix of cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and whole wheat flour, this bread boasts a slightly dense yet tender crumb that's perfect for soaking up soups and stews or serving alongside your favorite cheeses and spreads. The recipe begins with a unique method of hydrating the cornmeal with boiling water, giving the bread its distinctively moist texture and earthy flavor. Leavened with dry active yeast and a touch of granulated sugar, the dough is kneaded until smooth and baked to golden perfection, developing a satisfyingly crisp crust. Ideal for gatherings or cozy family meals, Broa showcases the soulful simplicity of Portuguese cuisine while offering a delightful twist to your bread-making repertoire. Bake a loaf today and savor its rich, rustic heritage in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 grams Cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
• 500 ml Boiling water
• 200 grams All-purpose flour
• 100 grams Whole wheat flour
• 10 grams Dry active yeast
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 200 ml Warm water (about 40°C/105°F)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, add the cornmeal and pour the boiling water over it. Stir well until combined. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let the yeast sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 3

Once the cornmeal mixture has cooled, add the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and the activated yeast mixture to the bowl.

Step 4

Mix the dough until it comes together. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 5

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to proof in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and reshape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a piece of parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 8

Transfer the loaf (with the parchment paper) onto the hot baking stone or sheet in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1230 grams (1230.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1884

Total Fat 14.10g	18%
Saturated Fat 2.10g	11%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4750mg	207%
Total Carbohydrate 398.90g	145%
Dietary Fiber 29.30g	105%
Total Sugars 6.40g
Protein 46.10g	92%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 48mg	4%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 842mg	18%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 6.7%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 83.7%