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Salara Recipe

Homemade Salara Recipe: Traditional Guyanese Coconut Roll

Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Guyanese
Servings 1 loaf

Ingredients
  

For The Dough:

  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

For The Filling:

  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • Few drops liquid red food coloring

To Finish:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

Making The Dough

  • Activate The Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to go.
  • Prepare The Dough: Mix the flour, salt, and the remaining sugar in a large mixing basin. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, warm milk, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead The Dough: Once the dough is smooth and elastic, place it on a surface dusted with flour and knead it for approximately ten minutes. Add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  • First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Making The Filling

  • Prepare The Coconut Filling: In a saucepan, combine the shredded coconut, water, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stirring continually, cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Mix thoroughly after adding a few drops of red food coloring. Turn off the heat and let it to cool.

Assembling The Salara

  • Roll Out The Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Add The Filling: Spread the cooled coconut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Roll Up The Dough: Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
  • Second Rise: Place the rolled dough on a greased baking sheet, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking The Salara

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the Bread: Brush the risen dough with melted butter and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Cool and Serve: Remove the Salara from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Keyword Salara Recipe