Māori Fry Bread recipe –

* Parāoa Parai *

Looking for a Māori Fry Bread recipe to celebrate Matariki?

Parāoa Parai (Māori Fry Bread) is a heart nourishing treat that remains in the memories of those who eat it.

It can be served with a hearty boil up or soup, hangi, roast dinner, or with a Matariki hākari (feast).
It can be drizzled with golden syrup, or rolled in sugar and cinnamon for a sweet twist on this much loved treat.

You’ll find a Maori Fry Bread recipe, or download a printable copy for your Matariki celebration kete!
Download Maori Fry Bread recipe >>

RECIPE –

Māori Fry Bread

MAKES APPROX. 20

Ingredients

ACTIVATE THE YEAST

• ¾ cup boiling water
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 Tbsp dried active yeast
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• ½ Tbsp plain flour

FOR THE DOUGH

•  4 cups high grade white flour
• ¾ tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
  + extra to oil the bench

Method

1. Activate the yeast by combining the water, milk, yeast, sugar and ½ tbsp of plain flour in a bowl. Set aside in a warm part of the kitchen for 10 minutes.
2. The mixture will bubbling and become sponge like (this is the yeast activating).
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and vegetable oil. Slowly add the yeast sponge to the dry mix. Fold together gently, being careful not to over-mix. There will be lumps, this is okay.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover and leave for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Remove dough from the bowl onto an oiled bench. Dough should be sticky. Gently flatten the dough with your hands to form a square shape, about 2 cm thick.
6. Cut into 16-20 even-sized pieces and cover for 20 minutes.
7. Heat oil in fry-pan. Test the heat by placing a wooden spoon handle into the oil. It should steadily bubble around the handle.
   Allow oil to cool slightly if it is too hot.
8. Gently place dough in the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.
9. Once cooked, remove from oil and drain on a paper towel. Repeat for the remaining dough. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Best eaten fresh. Serve on the side of your meal (or as a sweet treat).