Rewena Paraoa (Maori Bread)

Step 1

These instructions assume you have warm, humid, sunny weather, you will have to take the additional steps in the recipe description!

Step 2

To make Rewena starter, Peel, slice and boil potato in 1 cup of water to mashing consistency.

Step 3

Mash potato thoroughly with any remaining water in pot & set aside.

Step 4

When lukewarm add flour and sugar, mix to a fairly firm texture. Mixture should be a dough-like resemblance.

Step 5

Cover and leave in a warm place to prove/ferment, ideally outside if it is warm and humid, if not somewhere warm inside.

Step 6

It is ready when it bubbles and begins to rise. If this does not do this on the first day, feed it as with colder weather.

Step 7

Pre-heat oven to 200c.

Step 8

Grease and lightly flour 2 Baking Trays (Pizza Trays are ideal) or 2 medium size (approx 20cms in diameter) Round Baking Tins and/or Loaf Tins- set aside.

Step 9

In a large bowl sift flour and salt and make a well in the centre, pour in all of the Starter Plant and sprinkle baking soda over starter plant.

Step 10

Mix ingredients until combined adding extra water if required.

Step 11

Turn out onto floured bench and knead lightly for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 12

With the remaining dough, split in 1/2 and shape into baking tins or onto trays.

Step 13

Bake in pre-heated over for approximately 30-40 minutes or until golden.

Step 14

Turn out of trays, slice and eat hot with butter.

Step 15

Leftover Rewena is best covered with a clean damp tea-towel to maintain freshness.