Parāoa Parai (Māori Fried Bread)
Local name: Parāoa parai
In short: Palm-sized rounds of simple dough deep-fried until golden and puffy, then split and filled with butter, jam or golden syrup. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 10 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 20 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 10
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 225 kcal
Parāoa parai is Māori fried bread, a soft, golden bun that is puffy inside and crisp outside. It is served at gatherings and family tables, split open and filled with butter, jam or golden syrup, or eaten beside a boil-up to soak up the broth. The dough is quick and plain, and the main skill is keeping the oil at a steady heat so the middle cooks through before the outside darkens.
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar together in a large bowl.
- Add the warm water and mix to a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for 3 minutes until smooth, then cover and rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 10 pieces. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a disc about 10 cm (4 in) wide and 1 cm (1/2 in) thick.
- Heat the oil in a deep, heavy pot to 170°C (340°F), with at least 5 cm (2 in) of oil.
- Fry 2 or 3 pieces at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deep golden and puffed. Turn them gently with a slotted spoon.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot, split and filled with butter, jam or golden syrup.
Tips
- Hold the oil near 170°C (340°F). If the bread browns in under 2 minutes, the oil is too hot and the center will be raw. If it takes more than 4 minutes, the bread soaks up oil.
- Kina (sea urchin roe) is a traditional savory filling. At home, grated cheese or mashed avocado with salt works well, and day-old pieces reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven in 8 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I use yeast instead of baking powder?
Yes. Use 7 g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast, knead for 8 minutes and let the dough rise for 1 hour before shaping. The bread will be chewier.
Why is my fried bread doughy inside?
The oil was too hot or the dough too thick. Roll the discs to 1 cm (1/2 in) and keep the oil near 170°C (340°F).
What do you eat with parāoa parai?
Butter and jam, golden syrup or honey are the usual sweet choices. It is also good alongside a boil-up, soup or stew.
How long does it take to make Parāoa Parai (Māori Fried Bread)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Parāoa Parai (Māori Fried Bread)?
About 225 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 35 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 225 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
