KEY POINTS:
Rewena (Maori bread) is one of the best-loved dishes in the Maori cookbook but it can take years to master.
Now Maraea Tanoa (whose grandchildren says she makes the best rewena in Napier) and a few friends have come up with this method to make your own:
REWENA BREAD
Ingredients:
2 cups of flour
3 slices of a medium-sized potato
1 tspn of sugar
1 cup of water
STARTER BUG:
Step 1: Boil the potato slices in water to mixing consistency and leave to cool.
Step 2: When lukewarm, mix in all ingredients together to a fairly firm texture.
Step 3: Add more warm water if needed. Cover and leave in a warm place to rise.
This is the starter plant or bug from which you can make a few loaves of bread by only using what is needed and storing what's left.
TO MAKE THE BREAD:
Step 1: Make a well in the flour, add starter bug and mix well with warm water.
Step 2: Take a portion of the mixture in a jar. Add a raw potato for flavour and leave in fridge for the next time you want to make a loaf.
Step 3: Add sugar to your mixture for sweetening and mix with warm water.
Step 4: Knead the dough, folding in as you go.
Step 5: Sprinkle flour over a flat board to stop sticking. Knead until firm, roll into a big ball.
Step 6: Cover with a teatowel or cling wrap and leave to rise for a few hours or overnight. (Hint: If you're in a hurry, try leaving it in the warming drawer of the oven or in the back window of the car if it's a nice day).
Step 7: Bake for one hour at about 200C.
Hawke's Bay Today
