Rewena Paraoa (Maori Bread)

Directions

Preparation:25min  ›  Cook:50min  ›  Extra time:10hours Other  ›  Ready in:11hours15min 

1. To make the Rewena starter or bug: Boil the potato in the water until soft. Cool to luke warm. Mix in flour and sugar. Pour into a glass jar and cover with a clean cloth. Stand in a warm place until fermented. This is called the "Rewena." Leave at least overnight. When it is fermented strain. Reserve the liquid.
2. To make the bread: Sift the flour, baking soda & salt. Make a well in the centre of this and pour in the strained rewena liquid. Mix together and turn out onto a floured bench. Knead for 10 min.,adding a little water if the mixture is to firm.
3. Place into greased loaf tin/tins. Bake 230C 45-50 mins.

Tip

It will depend on the climate as to how long it will take for the Rewena to ferment. Mostly I make this in the morning and leave it on the kitchen window sill, then make the bread the following day for lunch.