The All-Time Favorite...Pandesal !

 Pandesal is a popular Filipino bread roll

Today, I tried making Pandesal, an all-time favorite of every Filipino. This bread was introduced during the Spanish Era in the Philippines.  The name came from the Spanish phrase"Pan De Sal" meaning "Bread of Salt" or salt bread.  It is not salty though but slightly sweet.

Ingredients :

2        Cups all purpose flour
2 1/4  Cups  bread flour
3        Tsp dry yeast
1        Tsp baking powder
1/2     Cup sugar
1        Tsp salt
1        Egg
1 1/4  Cup milk
4 1/2  Tbsp melted butter
1        Tbsp vegetable oil
Bread crumbs for coating

Directions :

1.   In a small bowl, combine and dissolve the yeast and sugar (Get 1 tbsp from 1/2 cup sugar) in warm milk  (115 degrees fahrenheit). Let stand for 10 minutes and set it aside.

2.   In a big bowl, combine and mix the all purpose flour, bread flour, baking powder, salt and remaining sugar.

3.   Add the melted butter, vegetable oil, egg and the yeast mixture.  Mix continuously until the dough is formed.

4.   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10-15 mins. or until the dough is elastic and smooth.  Kneading the dough manually is tiring but if you have a mixer or dough kneader it will be so easy.

5.   Prepare a lightly oiled bowl and transfer the dough. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for at least an hour in a warm place.

6.   After letting the dough rise,  transfer it into a lightly floured surface so it will not stick.

7.   Divide the dough into four equal parts using a dough slicer.

8.   Roll each part until it forms into a cylindrical shape like a log and cut each log into equal pieces.

9.   Coat each sliced dough with the bread crumbs and place it into a lightly greased baking tray.  Make sure you place it flat side down.

10.  Cover the tray with a damp cloth and let it rise for 20 minutes.

11.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.

12.  Bake for 13-15 minutes and serve hot.

Freshly baked hot pandesal