Salara, also known as Red Coconut Roll, is a popular Guyanese baked treat. It’s a soft, sweet bread filled with a flavorful coconut mixture, often colored red. This delightful pastry is perfect for tea time or as a special snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Coconut Filling:
- 2 cups grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the coconut filling. In a saucepan, combine the grated coconut, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is sticky, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the almond extract and a few drops of red food coloring, if using. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the coconut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long edge, and seal the seams.
- Place the roll, seam side down, into the prepared loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the Salara from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve the Salara. Enjoy the sweet coconut flavors in this traditional Guyanese treat!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 5g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 8-10
Salara is a beautiful, flavorful bread that’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Its sweet coconut filling and soft, fluffy dough make it a favorite among both adults and children. Enjoy this unique and tasty bread as a special treat or a part of your culinary adventures!
