Nancy's Authentic Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe: Massa Sovada
You will love this Nancy's Authentic Portuguese Sweet Bread Recipe: Massa Sovada
Master the art of Portuguese Sweet Bread with this foolproof Massa Sovada recipe. This holiday staple delivers a cloud-like texture and rich, citrus-infused aroma that fills your home. Perfect for Easter or family brunch, our guide ensures a high-rise, golden crust every time. Experience the heritage of authentic sweet yeast bread made simple for the modern home kitchen.
Ingredients
Directions
Get the sweet bread pans here.
- Place the milk in a medium sized saucepan.
- Next add the butter and the shortening to the milk.
- Now add the sugar, the 1 tablespoon of salt, and the zest of one lemon.
- Heat the pan at a medium to low heat, stir well, bring to a boil, give it a good stir and set it aside to cool.
- After 1 hour and 30 minutes, in a medium sized bowl, add the 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, the 3 tablespoons of active dry yeast and the one cup of warm water, give it a good stir an set it aside.
- Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or by hand, add the 15 eggs and whisk at high speed for about 1 minute.
- Now add the cooled milk mixture to the eggs and whisk for about 1 minute.
- In a large bowl, add the whisked milk, egg mixture.
- Next add the foamy yeast to it, and using your hands, stir well.
- Add the flour to the bowl, and mix very well until liquid and flour are well incorporated and you have a sticky dough.
- Knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Now cover the bowl and place it in a warm place for 20 minutes.
- Next pour half of the vegetable oil around the edges of the dough around the bowl.
- Fold the dough about 4 times all around from the sides into the center of the bowl.
- Cover the bowl and place it in a warm place for another 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, pour the rest of the vegetable oil around the edges and fold again for 4 times all around.
- Cover the bowl once again and let it rise in a warm place for 6 to 8 hours until it triples in size.
- Grease the 6 sweet bread pans with the 6 teaspoons of vegetable shortening (1 for each pan).
- Next divide the dough evenly between all 6 pans.
- Cover the pans once more and let it sit for about 3 hours in a warm place until the dough rises to almost the top of the pans.
- Preheat the oven to 305°F or 150°C.
- Witch a scissors, make some cuts at the top of all the loaves.
- In a small container, beat the 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
- Brush the top of the loaves with the egg wash using a brush.
- Bake for 1 hour (at the 55 minute mark, place a knife into a loaf and if it comes out clean, it's done.
This recipe makes 6 loaves.
Adapted from a Recipe by: DIYwithnancyg
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might slightly change, but the bread should still turn out well.
Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or an unsuitable temperature. Ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the warm water used for activating it wasn't too hot or too cold. If your kitchen is too cool, try placing the bowl in a warmer spot, or use an oven set to a low temperature (around 100°F/38°C) and turn it off to create a warm environment for the dough to rise.
Recommended Drink Pairings
Wine
Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine has a slight effervescence that complements the sweetness of the bread.
General: Moscato - The fruity and floral notes of Moscato enhance the rich buttery flavors of the sweet bread.
Beer
Portuguese: Super Bock - This classic Portuguese lager offers a crisp and clean taste that balances the sweetness of the bread.
General: Pale Ale - A mild Pale Ale provides a hoppy contrast that cuts through the richness of the sweet bread.
Other Beverages
Coffee: A rich, medium-roast coffee pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the bread while providing a pleasant bitterness.
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