Parāoa Parai (Māori Fry Bread)

Ingredients

• plain flour600 g
• instant yeast7 g
• salt — 1 tsp6 g
• sugar12 g
• milk — warmed150 ml
• vegetable oil — for frying2 l
• golden syrup — to serve1 ea
• salted butter — to serve1 ea

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture.
2. Gradually add the warm milk and warm water into the centre of the well, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for about 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough, then reshape it into a tight ball. Lightly oil a workbench then use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a 1cm thick square, 30cm x 30cm.
6. Use a dough divider or large knife to cut the dough into 16 even squares.
7. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot over medium-high heat to 180°C (350°F).