Bajan Salt Bread (Barbadian Soft Rolls)
Local name: Salt bread
In short: Soft Barbadian white rolls with a tender crumb and thin crust, the classic bread for cutters and cheese sandwiches. Easy yeast dough, 10 rolls. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 10 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 10
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 230 kcal
Salt bread is the soft white roll that Barbadians use for sandwiches, from cheese to fried fish. Despite the name it is only lightly salted, with a thin crust, a fluffy crumb and a crease down the middle. The dough is simple, and a warm roll with butter is hard to beat. Bakeries sell them in bags, and many families bake a batch for weekend cutters.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm water and soft butter and stir to a rough dough.
- Knead on a floured counter for 10 minutes, or 6 minutes in a stand mixer, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled.
- Divide into 10 pieces of about 85 g (3 oz). Shape each into an oval roll, then press a deep crease along the center with the side of your hand or a thin rolling pin.
- Place the rolls 4 cm (1 1/2 inches) apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes until puffy.
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped underneath.
- Brush the hot rolls with melted butter and cool on a rack for 15 minutes before splitting.
Tips
- Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven while the rolls bake. The steam gives a thin, soft crust.
- The rolls freeze well. Wrap them in a bag for up to 2 months and warm in a 160°C (325°F) oven for 8 minutes.
Questions and answers
Why is it called salt bread?
The name is a historical one. The roll is only lightly salted, and its taste is plain and slightly sweet, which is why it suits both butter and strong fillings.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the rolls will be a bit less chewy and may need 1 to 2 tablespoons less water. Bread flour gives the best crumb.
What do you eat with salt bread?
Barbadians fill it with cheese, ham, fried flying fish or fish cakes, as a cutter. It also goes with soups and stews.
How long does it take to make Bajan Salt Bread (Barbadian Soft Rolls)?
About 50 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bajan Salt Bread (Barbadian Soft Rolls)?
About 230 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 39 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 230 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
