Authentic Peruvian Pan Chuta
Pan Chuta, meaning 'Pulled Bread' in Quechua, is a delightful Peruvian flatbread that's perfect for any occasion. This adaptable recipe has been inspired by traditional techniques and flavors, offering a wonderful array of textures and tastes. With the unique addition of cherimoya essence, anise, and a rich buttery base, this bread provides an exquisite twist that you won't find in typical flatbreads. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, or use it to enhance any meal – it's great for sandwiches, alongside soups, or simply on its own. This recipe yields 24 servings, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or meal prep. Don't forget to sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread flour
16 1/2 cups (sifted)
yeast
5 tablespoons (active dry)
water
13 1/2 ounces (room temperature)
salt
3 teaspoons (fine)
large eggs
4 (beaten)
toasted anise
3 teaspoons (ground)
butter
7 ounces (softened)
vanilla essence
1 ounce (liquid)
cherimoya essence
1 ounce (liquid)
lard or shortening
as needed (for greasing)
sesame seeds
to garnish (whole)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pan Chuta?
Pan Chuta is a delightful and traditional Peruvian flatbread known for its unique blend of textures and flavors.
What does the name 'Pan Chuta' mean?
The name Pan Chuta translates to 'Pulled Bread' in the Quechua language.
What are the unique flavorings in this bread?
This recipe features a unique combination of toasted anise, vanilla essence, and cherimoya essence for a distinct Peruvian profile.
How many servings does this Pan Chuta recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 24 servings, making it perfect for large gatherings or meal preparation.
What type of flour should I use for Pan Chuta?
The recipe calls for 16.5 cups of sifted bread flour to provide the necessary structure for the flatbread.
What kind of yeast is required?
You should use 5 tablespoons of active dry yeast for this recipe.
Is Pan Chuta a sweet or savory bread?
It is a versatile flatbread that leans slightly sweet due to the essences and anise, but it pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
What is cherimoya essence?
Cherimoya essence is a liquid flavoring derived from the cherimoya fruit, providing a tropical and creamy aromatic note to the bread.
How should I prepare the anise for this recipe?
The anise should be toasted and then ground to provide the best flavor profile for the dough.
What temperature should the water be for mixing the dough?
The recipe specifies using 13.5 ounces of room temperature water.
How many eggs are needed for Pan Chuta?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the mix.
What is the role of sesame seeds in this recipe?
Sesame seeds are used as a garnish on top of the bread to provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
Can I use butter in Pan Chuta?
Yes, the recipe calls for 7 ounces of softened butter to create a rich, flavorful base.
What should I use to grease the baking pans?
You can use lard or shortening as needed for greasing to ensure the bread doesn't stick.
How is Pan Chuta traditionally served?
It can be enjoyed fresh from the oven, used for sandwiches, served alongside soups, or eaten on its own.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, its flatbread nature and sturdy texture make it an excellent choice for creating unique sandwiches.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it requires 3 teaspoons of fine salt to balance the flavors.
What makes Pan Chuta different from typical flatbreads?
The addition of cherimoya essence, toasted ground anise, and its rich buttery base gives it an exquisite twist not found in standard flatbreads.
Is Pan Chuta part of traditional Peruvian cuisine?
Yes, it is a traditional recipe inspired by ancient techniques and regional Peruvian flavors.
How much cherimoya essence is used?
The recipe uses 1 ounce of liquid cherimoya essence.
Should the bread flour be sifted?
Yes, for the best texture, the 16.5 cups of bread flour should be sifted before use.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 distinct ingredients required to make this authentic Peruvian bread.
Can I substitute vanilla essence?
While vanilla is key to the traditional flavor, you can use other extracts, though it will change the authentic profile of the bread.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, because it yields 24 servings, it is highly suitable for preparing in advance.
What is the texture of Pan Chuta?
It offers a wonderful array of textures, featuring a soft buttery crumb with a slight crunch from the sesame seed topping.
How much vanilla essence is required?
The recipe calls for 1 ounce of liquid vanilla essence.
What language is the term Quechua?
Quechua is an indigenous language family spoken by the Quechua peoples, primarily living in the Peruvian Andes.
Does the recipe require a specific type of salt?
The recipe specifies 3 teaspoons of fine salt.
Can I serve this bread with soup?
Yes, Pan Chuta is excellent for dipping or serving alongside a variety of soups.
Should the sesame seeds be whole or ground?
The sesame seeds should be used whole to garnish the top of the bread.