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Portuguese Bolo do Caco flatbread with garlic butter and parsley
Garlic butter Portuguese flatbread

Portuguese Pan-Seared Garlic Flatbread (Bolo do Caco)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Side Dishes
Bolo do Caco is the iconic flatbread of Madeira island. Named after the 'caco', a basalt stone slab it was originally baked on over coals. While traditional recipes include sweet potato, this version focuses on a flour base with a light garlic-butter-parsley finish, reminiscent of 'Manteiga de Alho'. Crispy outside, soft and airy inside – the perfect side for any meal or eaten warm on its own.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 2 hrs 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 280 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Portuguese

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Heavy skillet (cast iron best)
  • Kitchen towel for proofing
  • Brush

Allergen Information

⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

Dissolve sugar and yeast in lukewarm water. Let sit 5-10 mins until foamy.

Tip: If not foamy, yeast is dead. Start over or bread will be flat.
2 ✓

Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Make a well, add yeast water and olive oil.

Tip: Salt shouldn't touch concentrated yeast directly at first.
3 ✓

Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Knead in half the parsley at the end.

Tip: Kneading develops gluten to trap gas.
4 ✓

Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 60-90 mins until doubled.

Tip: Draft-free warm spot is best.
5 ✓

Turn out, punch down, divide into 4-6 pieces. Shape into balls, flatten into 3/4 inch discs. Rest covered 15 mins.

Tip: Resting relaxes dough for a softer texture.
6 ✓

Heat heavy skillet over medium heat (dry). Cook discs 4-5 mins per side until spotty brown. Lower heat if browning too fast.

Tip: Tap bottom: hollow sound means cooked.
7 ✓

Melt butter, mix with crushed garlic and remaining parsley. Brush over hot bread.

Tip: Hot bread absorbs the aromatic butter instantly.

Recipe FAQ

Why is the dough sticky?
This dough is relatively slack (wet). Don't over-flour; use oiled hands to handle it to keep the inside soft.
Can I bake it in the oven?
Traditionally it's pan-seared for the flat shape and crust. Oven baking makes it more like a bun.
Secret to flavor?
Brushing it with garlic butter while piping hot!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-Purpose or Bread Flour
  • 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 1/4 cups Lukewarm Water
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (minced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (crushed)
  • 2 tbsp Butter