Maori Bread

Discover the rustic charm of traditional Māori Bread, a cultural treasure known for its unique fermenting process using a rewena (potato-based) starter. This soft, slightly tangy bread combines simple pantry staples like potatoes, flour, sugar, and milk to create a delightful homemade loaf. The fermentation process lends a subtle depth of flavor, making this bread a standout addition to any table. Perfectly golden and tender, it pairs beautifully with butter, jam, or savory dishes. Whether you're exploring the culinary traditions of New Zealand or simply looking to bake something extraordinary, this Māori Bread recipe is a must-try.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 medium Potatoes
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 4 cups Flour
• 0.5 cup Warm water
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (extra)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and dice the potatoes. Boil them in a pot of water until soft, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Drain the potatoes, retaining the cooking water. Mash the potatoes until smooth.

Step 3

In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 0.5 cup of warm water to form a potato starter. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit in a warm place for at least 24 hours or until it starts to bubble and ferment. This is the rewena starter.

Step 4

Once the starter is ready, sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

Add the rewena starter, milk, and 1 tablespoon of extra sugar to the flour mixture. Mix well to form a dough.

Step 6

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 7

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking tin or line it with parchment paper.

Step 9

Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, and place them in the prepared baking tin.

Step 10

Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it on its own or with butter and jam.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1165.8 grams (1165.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2334

Total Fat 7.90g	10%
Saturated Fat 2.40g	12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 11mg	4%
Sodium 2456mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 494.50g	180%
Dietary Fiber 21.90g	78%
Total Sugars 49.50g
Protein 63.60g	127%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 278mg	21%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 2845mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.1%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 85.9%