Butterflaps have always been one of the tastier bread of Guyana, rivalled by the salara, pine tart and cheese rolls. The soft salted, buttery taste of Butterflaps lingers in your mouth long after eating it. This soft bread originated in Guyana and is still enjoyed here, as well as in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, there is a version of the Guyanese Butterflap, called cocobread that is made with coconut milk. A Butterflap or two makes a great snack when paired with a refreshing cane juice, pineapple juice or even peanut punch. This bread is widely manufactured by bakeries and home bakers in Guyana and we can tell why. Read on and learn how to make this delectable butter-flavoured bread.
Butterflaps – Photo by Sarika Prasad
What is Butterflap?
Butterflaps are soft, golden rolls of buttery goodness. Butterflaps are considered to be bread because flour is used to make our Guyanese butterflies. They are oven-baked and folded to create layers, each of which is coated in a soft, golden sheen of butter. Each layer smeared with butter and the rolls are folded over themselves to retain the taste. Sometimes garlic butter is used to elevate the taste of this bread.
Interesting Tip
- Bread is typically made with flour, water, salt and yeast where pastry is made with flour, fat and water.
Butterflaps – Guyanese Style
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic
Optional – Mixed herbs powder
Making the dough:
- Add sugar and yeast to mildly warm water and allow to sit for four to five (4-5) minutes.
- Add the flour and salt to a basin or large bowl. Sieve together the flours and salt.
- Add yeast mixture to the flour mixture and add olive oil. Knead into a firm, sticky dough.
- Grease basin or bowl with oil and leave dough to rise. Covering with a kitchen towel may help.
- Remove the dough, which should have doubled its size.
- Knead the dough once again.
Shaping the Butterflaps:
- Combine add butter, garlic cloves and mix a mixing bowl.
- Dust the counter with flour to prevent sticking.
- Make small balls of dough and roll out a circle about ten (10) cm round.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of butter garlic spread.
- Fold the dough into a semicircle and repeat to form a triangle.
- Dab butter on top and sprinkle some mixed herbs seasoning.
- Repeat this processed with the remaining dough.
- Arrange butterflaps on a baking tray and bake for twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) minutes, until they get a golden brown colour.
- Bite into them while they’re still warm!
Watch This: Guyanese Butter Flap Recipe | Cooking With Lisa
Butterflap in Guyana
Butterflaps are truly a delightful and original Guyanese bread. They are simple to make at home but are produced by most bakeries in Guyana. You can find Butterflaps in the bread aisle of your local supermarket, on street stands and various shops throughout Guyana. If they are out of stock, however, there is no need to panic. You can choose to follow the recipes of Butterflaps and bake your own. These simple yet delicious rolls go well with any drink!
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Last Updated: 2020-06-28
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