How to Make Rewena Bread

Last Updated: December 11, 2017

Rēwena parāoa is a traditional Māori (Polynesian) sourdough potato bread eaten in New Zealand. It is a leavened bread and is known to some by the spelling Rewana.

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes, peeled
9 cups flour
3 tablespoons active yeast granules
3 cups warm water
3 tablespoons sugar
3 handfuls of sugar extra

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Potatoes

1
Cook the potatoes by boiling or steaming.
2
Mash the potatoes. Mash with very little liquid (use a bit of the cooking water if needed). The mash should be on the dry side, not sloppy.
- Do not add milk, oil or flavorings to the mash.
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3
Set aside to cool.
4
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF. Grease or line the loaf tins/pans.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Making the Bread

1
Mix the yeast, warm water and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a mixing bowl. Set aside in a warm place to rise.
2
Mix the flour and remaining handfuls of sugar together. Add the yeast mixture and the potato mash. Stir through.
3
Turn the bread dough onto a floured work surface or board. Knead the dough until it feels springy.
4
Break the dough in half. Place into the greased loaf tins/pans.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Baking the Bread

1
Make 2 cuts across the top of each loaf of bread.
2
Place the loaves into the oven to bake. Bake for half an hour or until the top of the bread turns golden brown.
3
Remove from the oven. Cool on wire cooling racks. The bread can be served hot or cooled.

Community Q&A

Question

I have dried yeast packets. How many do I use?

Community Answer

One packet would be equal to 2 1/4 tsp. Therefore, you can use one packet of yeast or use as many as the recipe calls for.
Question

Can you freeze bread?

Community Answer

Yes. Freezing is better than refrigerating. You can thaw or toast directly from the freezer. If you're likely to be in a hurry, slice bagels and English muffins in half before freezing. Double bagging keeps breads fresher longer.
Question

Can I add warm milk instead of water?

Community Answer

As you may know, if you change one little thing, your bread can turn out completely different from the original recipe. By all means try it but don't expect it to be the same. If you like it, that's great but if not, then don't try that again.