Traditional Māori-Style Sweet Bread
This delightful Māori-inspired sweet bread, adapted from Sam Choy's Polynesian Kitchen and shared by Riana Mahe, offers a taste of indigenous culture with a modern twist. Baked in a deep pot or even an innovative coffee can, this bread is simple yet indulgent. Its slightly sweet flavor from the sugar blends harmoniously with the rich, warm texture, making it perfect to serve with a luscious honey-citrus butter. Enjoy it freshly baked as an accompaniment to any meal or as a delightful treat on its own!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
yeast
1 tablespoon (active dry yeast)
warm water
1.5 cups (heated to around 110°F)
sugar
1 cup (granulated sugar)
flour
4 cups (all-purpose flour)
Instructions
1
Activate the yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently until the yeast is dissolved.
2
Gradually add all the flour at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to form a dough.
3
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic to touch.
4
Grease a deep pot with a lid generously, ensuring the sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.
5
Place the kneaded dough into the greased pot, covering it with the lid to create a warm environment for rising.
6
Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
7
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before baking.
8
Once risen, transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Bake the bread, covered, for 45 minutes to allow it to steam and rise further.
9
Carefully remove the lid and continue baking the bread for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10
Take the pot out of the oven, allowing the bread to cool slightly before gently removing it from the pot.
11
Slice and serve immediately while hot, accompanied by a generous spread of honey-citrus butter for an extra touch of sweetness and zest.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Māori-Style Sweet Bread?
It is a Māori-inspired sweet bread adapted from Sam Choy's Polynesian Kitchen that offers a taste of indigenous culture with a modern twist.
Who shared this recipe for Traditional Māori-Style Sweet Bread?
The recipe was shared by Riana Mahe and adapted from Sam Choy's Polynesian Kitchen.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this bread?
The bread requires active dry yeast, warm water, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What type of yeast should be used?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of active dry yeast.
What is the ideal temperature for the water when activating the yeast?
The water should be heated to approximately 110°F to properly activate the yeast.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What kind of flour is best for this sweet bread?
All-purpose flour is the recommended type of flour for this recipe.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
What should the texture of the dough be after kneading?
After kneading, the dough should become smooth and elastic to the touch.
Can I bake this bread in a container other than a traditional pot?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can even use an innovative coffee can for baking.
What type of baking vessel is recommended?
A deep pot with a lid is the standard vessel for baking this bread.
How do I prepare the baking pot?
You should grease the deep pot generously, ensuring the sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough should rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
What is the best environment for the dough to rise?
The dough should be placed in a warm, draft-free area while covered with a lid.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Why is the pot covered during the first stage of baking?
Covering the pot allows the bread to steam and rise further during the first 45 minutes of baking.
How long is the bread baked in total?
The bread is baked for a total of 60 minutes: 45 minutes covered and an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
How do I know the bread is done baking?
The bread is finished when the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
Should the bread be cooled before serving?
The bread should be cooled slightly before removal from the pot, but it is best served immediately while hot.
What is the recommended accompaniment for this bread?
It is traditionally served with a luscious honey-citrus butter.
Is this bread considered Polynesian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Polynesian cuisine and Māori bread.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: yeast, water, sugar, and flour.
What tool is used to mix the flour into the yeast mixture?
A wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the mixture vigorously.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to activate the yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for cultural celebrations?
Yes, as a cultural recipe for Māori bread, it is excellent for cultural appreciation or comfort food.
What provides the sweetness in the honey-citrus butter?
The sweetness comes from the honey, which complements the bread's sugar content.
Does the recipe require salt?
Based on the provided ingredient list, salt is not listed as a primary ingredient for this dough.
Can this bread be served with a meal?
Yes, it is described as a perfect accompaniment to any meal or as a treat on its own.
What gives the bread its distinctive golden top?
Removing the lid for the final 15 minutes of baking allows the top to brown and become golden.