Bolo do Caco originated in Porto Santo, one of the Madeiran Islands. It was initially created to use up leftover dough, by cooking it on basalt stones (called “Caco”) over the fire. The word “Bolo” means cake in Portuguese, but it’s not named this because it’s sweet, more so, because of its round shape. In the 1500’s the commoners where forbidden to build a private oven in their homes, so they had to pay the rich to use theirs if they needed one. The fact that they could cook this bread on a stone over a fire, made it much easier and cheaper for them, in turn, it became very popular. Today, Bolo do Caco is still very popular and used in many different meals, as bread for sandwiches, to eat with soups and stews or to eat on its own or with garlic butter. I hope you enjoy this recipe! On your next trip we highly recommend joining a food tour or cooking class, both fun and informative! Check out the Expedia link below and let the adventures begin!
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Prep Time Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins. 15 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons of Butter
- 1 ½ cups of Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 1 tbsp of Honey
- 1 ½ tsp of Sea Salt
- 1 1/4 cups of water
- 2 tsp of Instant Yeast
- 3 cups of Flour (All Purpose)
Instructions:
- Combine the butter, potatoes, honey, salt, and water together in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stir, then reduce heat to low and cook for approx. 18- 20 mins, covered. Using a fork, pierce the sweet potato to make sure they are ready. While the potatoes are cooking turn your oven on low, approx. 250 for about 15 mins, then turn off.
- Pour the potato mixture (including the liquid) into a mixing bowl and let cool for Approx. 25 to 30 mins, then stir until smooth.
- Add in the Flour and yeast, mix together until a dough starts to form, then you can use your hands to knead the dough for approx. 3 to 5 mins, if it appears to dry you can add a little more water as needed. Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in your warmed oven (make sure you turned it off) this will help it rise quicker. The dough should double in size, which should take approx. and hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take the dough ball and divide it into 8 smaller balls, on a floured countertop. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet and flatten with your hand. They should be approx. 4 inched around and ¼ inch thick. Cover them and let them rise again for another 30 mins.
- Next, heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and place the flattened dough balls (a couple at a time) and cook until golden brown, then turnover and cook on the other side until brown, approx. 1 more min. Do this until each bread is browned.
- Once done, place them back on the baking sheet and cook in your preheated oven for approx. 15 mins. Serve with garlic butter, soups, stews or use as a sandwich. Any way you slice it, it’s delicious. Enjoy!
Make it before you go or be inspired to make it once you’ve returned!
Check out our other Funchal posts to help you plan an amazing trip to this beautiful city.
“Top Ten Experiences in Funchal, Portugal”
“How to get the most out of your two-day visit to Funchal, Portugal.”
“Tips and Recommendations, helping you create your own perfect Journey to Funchal, Portugal”
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Thank you,
From Focus on the Journey,
with Wild Meadow Studio
A Travel and Photography Blog
By: Beth de Verteuil
