Sweet Potato Bolo Bread with Madeira Butter 

By Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Enrichment Kathryn Kelly

When I first had bolo in Madeira in the 1980s, I fell in love with the smoky flavors from the wood-fired ovens in which this bread is traditionally baked. I’ve modified the recipe here so you can make this delicious bread at home – the perfect warming autumn treat. If you have an open grill available, feel free to cook the bread over an open flame. Below are the steps to make sweet potato bread.

Makes 4

Ingredients

Bolo Bread ¾ to 1 cup water, at 110˚F/43˚C 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 4 teaspoons sugar 1 sweet potato, roasted tender and peeled 3¼ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons kosher salt Olive oil, for grilling

Madeira Butter ¼ cup Madeira wine 2 heads garlic, roasted and peeled ½ cup butter, room temperature 2 tablespoons minced pecans 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot 1 tablespoon orange zest Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Prepare the bread dough In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup of the warm water, the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar until the yeast dissolves. Let rest 10 minutes.

In a food processor, pulse the sweet potato with the remaining 3 teaspoons of sugar, the flour and salt. With the processor running, add the yeast mixture and ½ cup more warm water. Mix until the dough forms a ball, adding more warm water if needed. Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl, turning to completely coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1½ hours.

Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead until smooth and pliable. Divide the dough evenly into 4 balls. Flatten the balls into 5- to 6-inch rounds, cover with a dry kitchen towel and let rest for 45 minutes.

Make the Madeira butter In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, simmer the wine until it reduces to 1 tablespoon, about 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, mash the roasted garlic into a paste. Stir in the butter, pecans, shallot, orange zest and reduced wine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Grill the bolo bread Heat an outdoor grill or indoor cast iron grill to high. Brush one side of each dough round with olive oil and grill, oiled side down, until charred and golden brown. Press lightly with a spatula to keep the bread from puffing and ensure it caramelizes. Brush the top sides of the dough with olive oil and flip, grilling until golden brown. Serve with Madeira butter.

Here are a few voyages visiting the Madeira region: 

Splendid Journey | Miami to Barcelona 14 days aboard Riviera departing April 2, 2019

Artists & Aristocrats | Rome to Barcelona Town 7 days aboard Sirena departing October 30, 2019

Atlantic Soiree | Barcelona to Miami 15 days aboard Sirena departing November 6, 2019