Pao Alentejano
Pão Alentejano or Alentejo bread is a traditional wheat bread of Portugal's Alentejo region.
History
The bread was traditionally produced in homes, with local women taking their dough for baking in communal ovens, or by small bakeries.Alentejo is a historical major producer of wheat for Portugal, and during the period of Arab colonization the bread became well-known throughout the country. In the 20th century industrial producers started to sell the bread under the name; these often do not use traditional recipes or techniques and contain additional ingredients such as preservatives.
According to Visao, the bread is "the basis of food in Alentejo". According to Hola, "all Portuguese recognize it as one of the best in the country".
Ingredients and preparation
Traditionally the bread contains only wheat flour, yeast or leftover bread dough, salt, and water and is baked in a wood-fired oven.Pão Alentejano is traditionally the bread used for Açorda Alentejana, a type of bread soup.