Making Authentic Sri Lankan Roasted Bread
Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan cuisine by learning to make traditional roasted bread (Roast Paan). This staple food is a must-try, and this video guides you through the process, sharing a piece of Sri Lankan culinary heritage. Perfect with flavorful curries and vibrant side dishes.
Ingredients:(04-05 pieces)
- Plain flour – 500g
- Dry yeast – 1 ½ tbsp
- Salt – 01 tsp
- Sugar – 01 tbsp
- Extra virgin coconut oil – 02 tbsp
- Lukewarm water – 225ml
- More coconut oil for brushing
How to make:
- In a bowl, mix flour with yeast, sugar and salt.
- Add coconut oil and water. Use high quality coconut oil for better taste and aroma. Add water little by little, mixing between additions, until the flour transforms into a unified ball of dough.
- Knead the dough until it feels soft to the touch and has a noticeable elasticity, allowing it to stretch without tearing easily. You can do this by hand or with a mixture. Should you be kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead it well to develop its gluten.
- When the dough is ready, lightly oil a bowl and transfer the dough to it.
- To prevent the surface of the dough from drying, gently apply a thin layer of oil.
- Cover the dough and allow it to rise until it has roughly doubled in size, which should take about 01 hour. Warmer climates may see a faster rise, while cooler climates may require longer.
- Divide the dough approximately 125g portions and gently roll each into a ball. Arrange them on a lightly oiled tray.
- Lightly brush the top of each ball with oil to prevent drying, cover and let them rise for another 30 mins.
- Take a dough ball and gently flatten it into an oval shape.
- Fold this oval in half, pressing the seam to seal. Then, carefully stretch the folded dough horizontally until it reaches the approximate height and width of your baking tray.
- Place the shaped dough in the prepared, greased baking tray, ensuring the folded seam is on the bottom.
- Lightly brush over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring both sides are covered.
- Brush the top of the prepared bread with oil to maintain moisture and let it rise for another 30 mins.
- Gently brush the top of the risen bread with a final layer of oil before baking.
- Place the prepared bread in a pre-heated oven at 180C and bake for approximately 20 mins or until cooked through.
- Carefully, pull apart the individual sections of the warm, baked bread.
- Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking tray.
- Toast each side under 200C for approximately 3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them until they are lightly browned.
- Enjoy this bread while it is still warm to appreciate its full flavor.
