Takakau Maori Bread

Discover the simple joy of Takakau Maori Bread, a traditional New Zealand recipe that celebrates the heart of Māori cuisine. Made with just four pantry staples—flour, baking powder, salt, and water—this quick and easy bread is a testament to minimalism and rich cultural heritage. Perfectly dense yet tender, this no-yeast bread comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal accompaniment to hearty stews, soups, or even a spread of butter and jam. With its golden crust and rustic charm, takakau is not only a warming side dish but also a connection to the comforting flavors of Māori tradition. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, this versatile recipe brings authentic New Zealand flavors straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3

Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, mixing as you pour to form a dough. Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable.

Step 4

Shape the dough into a flat, round disc about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.

Step 5

Place the dough on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6

Using a sharp knife, score a cross lightly on the top surface of the dough.

Step 7

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8

Remove the takakau from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.

Step 9

Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or alongside your favorite stew or soup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	975.2 grams (975.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1756

Total Fat 4.70g	6%
Saturated Fat 0.70g	3%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3280mg	143%
Total Carbohydrate 370.50g	135%
Dietary Fiber 13.10g	47%
Total Sugars 1.00g
Protein 49.60g	99%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 94mg	7%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 515mg	11%

*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: 2.5%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 86.0%