Portuguese Cornbread

Cornmeal and olive oil distinguish this yeast bread, a savory loaf to serve with chowder or seafood.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 154 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1 ½ cups cornmeal

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, sprinkle or crumble yeast and sugar over the lukewarm water. Let stand for 2 or 3 minutes, then stir to dissolve. Set the bowl in a warm, draft-free place for 8 to 10 minutes, or until yeast doubles in volume.

Step 2

Pulverize the cornmeal in a blender until fine.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup cornmeal, salt, and boiling water. Stir vigorously until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cool mixture to lukewarm. Stir proofed yeast into the cornmeal mixture. Gradually add 1/2 cup cornmeal and flour. Gather the dough into a ball, and place it in a greased bowl. Cover. Set it aside in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

Step 4

With a pastry brush, coat the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie pan with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Turn the dough out into pie pan, and cover. Let it rise in a warm place for another 30 minutes, or until it doubles in bulk again.

Step 5

Bake in the middle of a preheated 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 40 minutes, or until top is golden. Transfer to a rack to cool.