Baking – Parāoa Parai

Ingredients

• 4 cups plain flour

• 3 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups warm water (approx.)

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Steps

1. Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Add water – Gradually pour in warm water while mixing until you form a soft dough (not too sticky).

3. Knead – Lightly flour a surface and knead dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.

4. Rest – Cover with a clean tea towel and let dough rest for 15–20 minutes.

5. Shape – Roll or pat out dough to about 2cm thick, then cut into squares or rounds.

6. Heat oil – In a deep pan, heat enough oil for shallow/deep frying until hot (test by dropping in a small piece of dough – it should sizzle).

7. Fry – Cook pieces of dough a few at a time until golden brown on each side, about 1–2 minutes per side.

8. Drain – Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

9. Serve – Best enjoyed warm, either plain, with butter and golden syrup, jam, or savoury fillings.

Other Information