Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this delicious bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)
If you’re out of raisins, feel free to substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped nuts. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to make it uniquely yours, just as my abuela would encourage.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and yeast. Mix well.
- Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. It should be sticky and rough.
- Fold in the raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours. The long rise time allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shaping it into a ball. Be gentle to preserve the air pockets.
- Carefully place the dough into the heated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Brush the top with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven for a glossy finish.
- Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Remember, patience is key—just like my abuela taught me. Letting the dough rest and rise at its own pace is crucial for that perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International