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Bolo de Caco (Madeiran Flatbread)

Bolo de Caco (Madeiran Flatbread)

Bolo de Caco is a traditional Madeiran flatbread made with sweet potato and cooked on a hot surface resulting in a soft chewy centre and golden crust best served warm with garlic butter
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine portuguese
Servings 4
Calories 710 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the dough

  • 300 g sweet potato peeled and cut into chunks
  • 500 g strong bread flour
  • 7 g dried yeast
  • 250 ml lukewarm water adjust as needed
  • 1 tsp salt

For serving

  • 100 g unsalted butter softened
  • 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions
 

  • To begin, boil the sweet potato chunks in lightly salted water until tender, around 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash until smooth. Allow to cool before mixing into the dough.
  • In a small bowl, combine the dried yeast with lukewarm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, which indicates the yeast is active. Move to dough mixing.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the mashed sweet potato and yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms, adding extra water if needed for a soft but not sticky texture. Proceed to kneading.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop gluten for the bread’s signature chew. Transition to proofing.
  • Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and leave in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size. Move to shaping the flatbreads.
  • Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a round disc about 2 cm thick. Dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Proceed to second proof.
  • Cover the discs with a clean cloth and allow them to rest for 20–30 minutes. This short proof helps achieve a light texture. Prepare the cooking surface next.
  • Traditionally cooked on a basalt stone, you can use a heavy cast iron skillet or griddle. Heat over medium to low until evenly hot. Transition to cooking the bread.
  • Place each disc on the hot surface and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear and the bread is cooked through. Turn only once to keep the crust even. Move to final preparation.
  • Mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, and sea salt. Slice the bread while still warm and spread generously. Serve immediately alongside grilled dishes or seafood.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 710kcalCarbohydrates: 112gProtein: 15gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 630mgPotassium: 432mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 11434IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 6mg
Keyword flatbread
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