Dominica mastiff bread recipe

Dominica mastiff bread recipe

Bread is a staple in Dominica and can be found on breakfast, lunch and some dinner tables all around the country. There are countless bakeries scattered in every corner of the island, making it easier for consumption. If there’s not a bustling bakery, then there’s a distribution area or a bread truck, where villagers can purchase fresh bread. There are a variety of breads including jackerie, dollar breads, and mastiff among others.

Mastiff bread is one of the most sought after, most recognizable and most popular type of bread on the island. It can be eaten with almost anything or by itself. The richness of the bread may be because of the use of shortening or lard, instead of butter, and the stretching of the dough with excessive kneading.

If you’re ever on the island, and have the opportunity to visit Country Style bakery in Marigot or Sukie’s in Roseau, ask for a mastiff bread. You’ll be very pleased you did. And if you’re not on the island but want to experience mastiff bread, here’s an easy Dominica mastiff bread recipe.

Dominica mastiff bread recipe

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine Caribbean, Dominican

Servings 8

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Bowl for prepping yeast

Ingredients

  

• 3 lbs flour
• 1½ tbsp brown sugar
• 1½ tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp yeast instant or regular. please see instructions for both
• ½ cup shortening/lard
• 3½ cups water
• extra flour for dusting

Instructions

 

Instructions when using instant yeast

• Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl (sugar, salt and instant yeast)
• Mix with a large wooden spoon
• Add shortening or lard and mix
• Mix thoroughly with your hand
• Add warm water and mix the dough until stiff
• Add more flour so that dough doesn't stick
• You can add dough onto a floured board to make sure that it's properly kneaded
• Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes
• Shape dough into a large round shape and cover to rest for 45 minutes
• Knead dough again on a lightly floured surface (kneading is the most critical part of this recipe process.
• Shape dough into your desired bread designs and place on a baking sheet or bread pan
• Let the breads rest for 25 minutes
• Preheat oven at 375°F
• Bake until golden brown

Instructions when using active yeast

• Mix 3½ cups of warm water (115°F to 120°F), yeast and sugar
• Add a pinch of salt and ½lb of sifted flour to the mixture
• Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon
• Set in a warm place for approximately one hour
• Mixture should look foamy with bubbles
• Sift the rest of the flour in a large bowl
• Pour yeast mixture into the large bowl over the flour
• Add shortening or lard and mix
• Add more flour so that dough doesn't stick
• You can add dough onto a floured board to make sure that it's properly kneaded
• Knead for approximately 8-10 minutes
• Shape dough into a large round shape and cover to rest for 45 minutes
• Let the breads rest for 25 minutes
• Preheat oven at 375°F
• Bake until golden brown

Video

Keyword Dominica, mastiff bread