Latin American > Latin American Breads

Pan de Jamón with Dates and Almonds Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 lb sliced ham
- 1/2 lb sliced bacon
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, butter, vegetable oil, warm milk, eggs, salt, and yeast. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together.

2. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

6. Arrange the ham and bacon slices on top of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

7. Sprinkle the chopped dates, almonds, raisins, green olives, and capers on top of the ham and bacon.

8. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, tucking in the edges as you go.

9. Place the log seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

11. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 439
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 19g
Sodium: 979mg
Sugar: 11g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nut instead of almonds, such as walnuts or pecans.
- If you don't like dates, you can use dried figs or apricots instead.
- You can use any type of cured meat instead of ham and bacon, such as prosciutto or salami.
- If you don't like olives or capers, you can leave them out or substitute with other pickled vegetables.

Variations:
- You can add grated Parmesan cheese to the filling for extra flavor.
- You can use a mix of sweet and savory fillings, such as cream cheese and jam or Nutella and banana.
- You can make mini versions of the bread by cutting the dough into smaller rectangles and adjusting the filling accordingly.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is well-kneaded and elastic before letting it rise.
- Don't overfill the bread or it will be difficult to roll up.
- Use a sharp knife or serrated bread knife to slice the bread.
- The bread can be served warm or at room temperature.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to 1 month. Thaw it at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bread, wrap it in foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bread on a platter with sliced fruit and cheese for a festive appetizer.
- Cut the bread into smaller pieces and serve as a snack or party food.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top of the bread for a pop of color.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.

Pairings:
- Serve the bread with a glass of red wine or sparkling cider.
- Pair with a salad or soup for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts.
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken or beef.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk or water.
- If the bread is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ham and bacon are fully cooked before adding them to the bread.
- Store the bread in the refrigerator if you're not going to eat it within 3 days.

Food history:
- Pan de Jamón is a traditional Venezuelan Christmas bread that typically contains ham, bacon, raisins, olives, and capers. This version adds dates and almonds for extra flavor and texture.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, salty, sweet, nutty, fruity.

Serving suggestions:
- Slice the bread and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese on top.

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Region: Venezuelan

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Savory, Rich