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]
 Dumb bread | |
| Type | Bread |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Virgin Islands |
| Serving temperature | Room temperature |
| Main ingredients | Flour, water, butter, salt, sugar, baking powder, milk, often shredded coconut |
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
editThe 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
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e "Traditional Bread From United States Virgin Islands". TasteAtlas. 2021-08-10. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b DK Eyewitness (2020). USA National Parks: Lands of Wonder. DK. p. 357. ISBN 978-0-7440-3657-2. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ a b "A SMART, MODERN-DAY WAY TO MAKE DUMB BREAD". St. Croix Source. 2003-01-12. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b c d e B, Dienia (2014-08-27). "Virgin Islands Dumb Bread Recipe". Recipezazz.com. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ 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.