Pan de Muerto Recipe: How To Make Mexican Bread of the Dead? Step-by-Step Instructions To Create This Delicacy From Scratch (Watch Video)

Pan de Muerto, also known as Day of the Dead Bread, is a traditional Mexican delicacy that holds a special place in the hearts of those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. This sweet and symbolic bread is an essential part of the vibrant and colourful festivities that honour deceased loved ones in Mexican culture. Here’s how to make Pan de Muerto recipe, aka Mexican Bread of the Dead. Day of the Dead 2023 Date and Significance: From Altars & Ofrendas to Calaveras Face Painting & Pan De Muerto, Everything You Need To Know About Día de los Muertos.

Pan de Muerto Ingredients:

To make Pan de Muerto, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 2 packets of active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup orange blossom water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Additional sugar for decoration

Pan de Muerto Instructions:

• Activate the yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your bread will rise properly. Day of the Dead 2023: Five Things to Know About the Día de los Muertos Holiday Celebrated by the Mexicans.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture.
• Blend the wet ingredients: In another bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange blossom water and citrus zest.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture into the well you created in the dry ingredients. Then, add the wet ingredients mixture. Mix everything until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
• Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• Shape the bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into smaller portions to shape the bread. You can form round loaves with “bones” on top, or get creative with skull and crossbones shapes. Use additional dough to make decorative pieces, and attach them to the top of the loaves.
• Egg wash and sugar: Brush the bread with a beaten egg for a shiny finish, then sprinkle granulated sugar over the top for a sweet, crisp crust.
• Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Cool and enjoy: Allow your Pan de Muerto to cool on a wire rack before serving. This delightful bread is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or at the graveside of loved ones during the Day of the Dead festivities.

Pan de Muerto is not just a delicious bread; it’s a symbol of remembrance and celebration of the lives of those who have passed away. The bread’s round shape represents the circle of life, while the “bones” or decorative shapes on top symbolize the departed souls.

As you savour the sweet aroma and taste of Pan de Muerto, you’re participating in a tradition that has deep cultural and emotional significance, making it a truly special experience during the Day of the Dead.

(The above story first appeared on OKEEDA on Nov 03, 2023 08:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).