Tapalapa (Gambian Bread)
If you've got all-purpose flour, instant yeast and sugar, you're most of the way to this vegan: about 60 minutes of cooking across 7 steps. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 7 steps.
You'll mainly reach for oven and large pot. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, the ingredients are plant-based.
What you'll need
Shopping list (1)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
π Unit converter
How to make it
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt until evenly combined.
- Make a well in the center, pour in the vegetable oil and most of the warm water (around body temperature, never hot enough to kill the yeast), then mix to a shaggy dough, adding the remaining water only as needed.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead firmly for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, springy and no longer sticky.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until roughly doubled in size.
- Knock back the dough, divide it into 2 pieces, and shape each into a long tapered baton, then place on a floured baking sheet, slash the tops lengthwise, and let proof for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 220 C (425 F) for 22 to 28 minutes until the crust is deep golden and the loaves sound hollow when tapped underneath.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the crumb sets, then serve warm with butter, stew or sandwich fillings.
You'll use: Oven Β· Large pot Β· Whisk Β· Baking sheet
Tips & common questions
How long does Tapalapa (Gambian Bread) take to make?
About 60 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 7 steps and 7 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
Is Tapalapa (Gambian Bread) vegan?
Based on its ingredients, this recipe contains no meat, fish, dairy or egg, so it looks vegan-friendly. Always double-check labels on packaged items.
Related recipes
Tapalapa (Gambian Bread) is an original recipe developed in-house by Consomee. Photo: Shops in Gambia 20051112-130605 (4118080041).jpg by NicholBrummer, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure on top β how we source recipes.