How to make Babakau (Fijian Fried Bread)

Fijian chef Bertrand Jang, owner of the Sweet & Me cakery in Onehunga shares his recipe for Babakau (Fijian Fried Bread).

Smother it with butter and jam - Set!  

Serves 5 - 6 people 

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Ingredients 

500g flour 

20g sugar

7g yeast

3g salt

20ml oil

350ml warm water 

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Method

In a bowl, add all ingredients and mix well until it forms a wet sticky dough 

Do not add ANYMORE flour, this dough will come together after continuous kneading and rest 

Transfer dough onto a clean floured surface and knead firmly for about 5 to 7 minutes

Place dough back into bowl, cover with a tea towel and allow it to double in size

Once doubled, transfer dough back onto clean floured surface and cut dough in half and roll out into half an inch in width 

Cut into evenly sized squares so that your bread cooks evenly on the heat

In a shallow frying pan, add oil (either canola or linseed) enough so you can shallow fry Bring temperature to medium heat before adding in dough

Carefully place your squares into the pan and allow to brown evenly on one side before turning to cook the other side 

Once cooked add to a bowl with a clean tea towel or paper napkin - this helps drain excess oil

Serve hot. You can dust a mix of icing sugar and cinnamon on it or have it with butter and jam and nice big cup of tea.