Salvadoran Semita is a traditional sweet bread from El Salvador, cherished for its unique flavor and texture. Commonly enjoyed as a breakfast treat or snack, Semita pairs perfectly with hot chocolate or coffee. This bread features a delightful combination of cheese, pineapple, raisins, and sesame seeds, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of El Salvador.
Semita’s origins trace back to pre-Columbian times in El Salvador, where indigenous techniques and ingredients formed the foundation of this beloved bread. With the Spanish colonization came wheat and baking methods, which influenced the development of Semita into the more elaborate version enjoyed today. The name “Semita,” derived from the Latin word for “path,” symbolizes its role as a culinary staple that has traversed Salvadoran history, blending indigenous and colonial influences. This bread is now a common feature at religious celebrations, family gatherings, and local bakeries.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup grated queso fresco (fresh cheese)
- 1 cup finely chopped pineapple
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Method:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 1/4 cup warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and add the activated yeast. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix grated queso fresco, chopped pineapple, and raisins.
6. Shape the Semita:
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide into two portions. Roll out one portion into a rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). Spread half of the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Roll the dough tightly into a log.
7. Second Rise:
- Place the rolled semita on a greased baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
8. Preheat the Oven:
- While the semita is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Add Toppings:
- Brush the top of the semita with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over it.
10. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Slice into individual servings and enjoy!
Additional Notes:
- Customize the filling with nuts, guava paste, or sweetened condensed milk.
- Store semita in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Serve with hot chocolate or coffee for a classic Salvadoran breakfast or snack.
Nutrition Value:
1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: 1,840
- Carbohydrates: 400 grams
- Protein: 32 grams
- Fat: 4 grams
- Sodium: 4 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains some B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin)
- Minerals: Contains iron and small amounts of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a primary source of carbohydrates for energy and is enriched with essential B vitamins that support metabolism.
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
- Calories: 774
- Carbohydrates: 200 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy. However, it has no vitamins or minerals and should be consumed in moderation.
3. 1/2 cup butter, softened
- Calories: 810
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 91 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams (unless salted butter is used)
- Cholesterol: 260 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamin A, small amounts of vitamin D
- Minerals: Contains calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor, provides essential fatty acids and vitamin A, but is high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
4. 1/2 cup milk
- Calories: 61
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Sodium: 49 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and riboflavin
- Minerals: Good source of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and protein for muscle maintenance.
5. 2 eggs
- Calories: 144
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Sodium: 140 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 372 milligrams
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B12
- Minerals: Good source of selenium, iodine, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, though it is high in cholesterol.
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains trace amounts of vitamin B
- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily used for flavoring, with minimal nutritional value but contributes to a more enjoyable taste.
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1,150 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Provides sodium, which is essential for fluid balance
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and contributes to electrolyte balance, but excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure.
8. 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- Calories: 21
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin)
- Minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, and zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides B vitamins and minerals, supports fermentation and leavening in baking.
9. 1 cup grated queso fresco (fresh cheese)
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Fat: 24 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Good source of calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds protein and calcium, contributing to bone health and muscle maintenance.
10. 1 cup finely chopped pineapple
- Calories: 82
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 2 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains manganese and some calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune health and digestion.
11. 1/2 cup raisins
- Calories: 217
- Carbohydrates: 58 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 6 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Good source of iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides natural sugars for energy, iron for blood health, and potassium for heart function.
12. 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- Calories: 207
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins, especially niacin
- Minerals: Excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, contributing to heart health and bone strength.
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