Dumb bread

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Dumb bread
Dumb bread.jpg
Dumb bread
TypeBread
Place of originVirgin Islands
Serving temperatureRoom temperature
Main ingredientsFlour, water, butter, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, often shredded coconut

Dumb bread is a traditional bread that originates from the Virgin Islands. [1] [2] The name "dumb bread" comes from the cooking technique called dum pukht, originating from India and brought to the Caribbean when the Indian indentured workers replaced the slaves. [1] [3] [4]

Contents

This bread does not require any yeast. [5] Ingredients include flour, water, butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, and milk; oftentimes, shredded coconut is also added to the dough. [1] [6] Sometimes, cornmeal may be used. [7] The same dough can be used to make johnnycakes. [8] The bread can be filled with cheddar cheese. [9] [10] It is served cut into triangles and often along with bush tea or coffee. [9]

On Annaberg in Saint John, the docents will sometimes act as bakers and make dumb bread. [3] [5]

Preparation

The dough is first made with the dry ingredients combined with butter then milk with shredded coconuts being optionally added. [6] The dough is then kneaded and formed into a round loaf. [6] The dough is then allowed to rest. [6] It is then cooked in a skillet or dutch oven over hot coals with additional hot coals on top of the skillet lid to cook the bread from above and below. [1] [4] [8] The bread is cooked until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped. [1] The bread requires a resting period after baking or it will be damp and doughy on the inside. [6]

See also

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References

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  2. Morse, K.J. (2022). The Americas: An Encyclopedia of Culture and Society [2 volumes]. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 234. ISBN   979-8-216-04766-7 . Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  3. 1 2 DK Eyewitness (2020). USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder. DK. p. 357. ISBN   978-0-7440-3657-2 . Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  4. 1 2 "A SMART, MODERN-DAY WAY TO MAKE DUMB BREAD". St. Croix Source. 2003-01-12. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  5. 1 2 Potter, S.H. (2015). Moon U.S. & British Virgin Islands. Moon Handbooks. Avalon Publishing. p. 649. ISBN   978-1-63121-168-3 . Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 B, Dienia (2014-08-27). "Virgin Islands Dumb Bread Recipe". Recipezazz.com. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  7. Allsopp, R.; Allsopp, J. (2003). Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage. University of the West Indies Press. p. 207. ISBN   978-976-640-145-0 . Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  8. 1 2 McWilliams, M. (2018). Food and Landscape: Proceedings of the 2017 Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery. Proceedings of the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery. Prospect Books. p. 252. ISBN   978-1-909248-62-5 . Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  9. 1 2 Greenberg, H.; Greenberg, D. (2006). The US Virgin Islands Alive!. Alive guides. Hunter. p. 136. ISBN   978-1-58843-584-2 . Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  10. Porter, D.; Prince, D. (2006). Caribbean For Dummies. --For dummies (in Spanish). Wiley. p. 472. ISBN   978-0-471-96251-9 . Retrieved 2024-04-23.