Pandesal, also called Bread of Salt is probably the most popular bread in the Philippines. Pandesal is the favorite “agahan or almusal” (breakfast food) of most Filipinos. Pandesal can be eaten plain or with filling. It is best to have it while freshly hot from the oven. Common fillings or palaman for pandesal are: Cheese pimiento, CheezWhiz, a slice of cheese, coco jam, butter, and liver spread.
In the Philippines, most bake shops and bakeries sell Pandesal. Sometimes, this is sold in rolling stores (usually a honking bicycle with a big box on the back). When purchasing from a neighborhood bakery, be sure to be there before 8 in the morning because the supply runs out after that time.
Pandesal can also be eaten as it is but lot of people like having it along with hot cup of coffee.
Try this easy Pandesal recipe and let us know what you think.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups bread flour
- ½ cup white sugar
- 5 tbsp. melted butter
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1¼ cup fresh milk (lukewarm)
- 1 pouch rapid rise yeast
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp. cooking oil
- Combine the yeast, sugar, and milk and stir until the yeast and sugar are fully dissolved. I’ve chosen milk instead of water because it just tastes better, but you can always use lukewarm water instead of the milk.
- In the mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder then mix well.
- Add the egg, butter, cooking oil, and yeast-sugar-milk mixture in the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients then mix again until dough is formed. You can use your hands to effectively mix the ingredients.
- In a flat surface, knead the dough until the texture becomes fine.
- Mould the dough and put back in the mixing bowl, cover with damp cloth and let the dough rise for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- After the dough has risen, transfer to a lightly floured working surface. Roll into a log then cut into four to six equal pieces. Take another portion of the dough, roll again into a log and cut into equal pieces, repeat this step until all the dough is done.
- Roll each piece of dough in breadcrumbs then arrange on a baking tray for at least an inch apart, you don’t want it sticking together when it rises later on.
- Leave the dough in the tray to rise again for 15-20 minutes.
- Pre heat the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degree Celsius) for 10 minutes. If using a fan assisted oven, reduced the heat according to instructor’s manual.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until nicely browned outside.
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