Agege Bread (Ghana Sugar Bread) Recipe

This recipe was provided by our Artist in Residence, Delali Adiamah.

Agege Bread, also known as Sweet Bread, Ghana Sugar Bread- Butter Bread, has a soft, sweet, buttery and pillowy taste and texture. It’s amazing with an egg omelette or sandwich with sweet or savoury spreads.

Ingredients:

• 3cups (384g) of all-purpose flour

• 1/4cup (50g) of sugar

• 1/4cup (57g) of melted butter

• 1tsp (5g) of salt

• 1/2tsp (2.5g) of nutmeg

• 1/2tsp = 2.5g of butter flavour

• 3/4 - 1 cup (6-8fl oz or 177-236ml) of warm water

• 2tsp (10g) of active dry yeast

Preheat oven at 350 degrees

Set some water in the oven to create moisture so the bread does not dry up and over-crust while baking.

Utensils and equipment needed:

• Stand mixer with the dough hook attached

• Spatula

• Rolling pin

• Loaf pans

Instructions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Keep yeast and salt apart in the bowl because the salt will weaken the yeast.

2. Make a well in the flour mix and pour in the melted butter and warm water. Lock the stand mixer and set speed to the lowest using the dough hook. Knead for 15-20 minutes. Pausing in between to clean the sides of the bowl. It is ready when the dough is no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl and the dough quickly bounces back when you press down with the finger.

3. Rub some olive or vegetable oil on the inside of the mixing bowl. Shape and tuck the dough into a tight ball and place it back in the mixing bowl, cover with an airtight lid or foil and kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm space in the kitchen to proof for an hour or doubled in size.

4. After the dough has doubled in size, Knead the dough to remove air pockets. Divided into 4 equal parts and knead and shape each piece into your desired shape (round or roll)

5. The rolling pin can be used to flatten the dough. To form a loaf shape, roll out the dough flat into a rectangular about the length of the loaf pan. Use your palm to roll the dough into a log and pinched the ends to seal

6. Butter and dust the loaf pan with some flour. Place the shaped dough into the loaf pan. Cover with cling film or napkins to proof again. After 45 mins the dough should double in size, remove the film.

7. Reduce heat and bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 mins depending on how brown you want it or your oven.

8. Remove from the oven and brush the top with some butter. Allow Agege Bread it to cool on a cooling rack. Enjoy Agege bread with your favourite hot or cold beverage, spreads or beans stew.