Pan de Leña (Wood-fired Bread)

Wood-fired Bread, known as "Pan de Leña" in Venezuela, is a traditional bread that is cooked using a wood-fired oven. This method gives the bread a unique smoky flavor and a crispy crust, making it a favorite among locals.

Pan de Leña (Wood-fired Bread)

Ingredients

  • 5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it stand for about 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
  2. Stir the salt and flour into the yeast mixture until the dough comes together.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
  4. Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into two loaves. Place the loaves on a floured baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the wood-fired oven. Once the loaves have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
  7. Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Wood-fired oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
150 per serving
Carbohydrates
30g
Protein
5g
Fat
2g

Supplies

Baking sheet Wood-fired oven

Tools

Mixing bowl Bread knife

Serving suggestions

Serve the wood-fired bread with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple and delicious appetizer.

Tips & tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough before baking.

Cost

$5