Steam Bread - Upclose Image
This bread is made by steaming the dough until it’s cooked. If I tell you it’s divine, you’ll just look at me and wonder what’s divine about steam cooked bread? Wait until you try it. It’s a perfect example of a simple pleasure.
I worked on the recipe December last year during the holidays with my adorable 9 year old nephew. He was just watching in amazement, adding the ingredients and sifting them. When we were done and the bread was cooked I cut it into slices and put some margarine on it while it was still hot. I called my mom, sister and brother to come have a look and taste (my taste panel haha). I can’t remember why but I disappeared from the kitchen and went to another room. By the time I got back to the kitchen the bread was gone.
I asked what happened, my 18 year old brother calmly replied “haibo big sis, ucinga uba sizotya islice esiyi one and then sisiyeke simnandi kangaka esa sonka” which means it was impossible for them to just taste one slice and leave the rest…the bread is too nice. The same incident happened recently in Cape Town during the shoot. My other sister and 20 year old cousin were assisting me. The bread was ready and the photographer just called to let me know he was outside so I needed to go and get him.
Quarter of the bread was gone….when I came back…
When I asked, they just continued chewing, saying the bread is nice. Crazy huh?
Steam Bread - Surface Image
Steam Bread Recipe
4½ cups cake flour
500ml warm water
10ml instant dry yeast
10ml salt
20ml sugar
Method:
1. Grease an enamel dish or bowl with butter or margarine.
2. Sift the dry ingredients and mix them into bowl.
3. Knead until the dough is combined and does not stick to the hands.
4. Transfer the dough into the greased bowl.
5. Cover it up and let rise.
6. Add some water into a big sauce pan and put the greased bowl inside.
7. Steam for at least an hour or until cooked.
8. Cover the sauce pan during cooking.
9. Serve warm or cold with veggies, soup, meat etc.
Thuli’s Tip:
The water should not get into the bowl otherwise your bread will be soggy.
I am so glad I found this recipe. When I was a little girl our nanny used to make this bread for us then we got home from school. I have searched the internet and could not find it. At 50yr I now at last have the receipt, THANK YOU. I am going to try it this weekend.
So glad I could help Debra! Enjoy!
Hi Thuli – this is just such a good recipe! I am always looking for recipes that can be cooked over a fire for campers, and this will be a great recipe for that.
I am so enjoying your traditional recipes – keep them coming. And you were great on Pasella, too
Zabwan
Hi Zabwan, you are reminding me of something that might help during your camping; my mom and aunt sometimes steamed the bread in a plastic bag instead of a bowl. Just make sure your plastic bag does not leak otherwise your bread will be soggy. The results are as good as when you are using a bowl. I appreciate all your comments. Thanks!:-)
Iyo! dankie Thuli,this is great!
Hi Corah! I’m glad you like the recipes! Have you tried any of the dishes?
Hi Thuli
Thanks for this one – I’ve done it before with a variation of mixed herbs and served it with chicken stew. Since I don’t have a steel bowl, I’ve used a steel colander and it has served me faithfully.
With finger-licking regards
Noms
Hi Nomvula, you are making me hungry when you mention a chicken stew!
Thanks for your comment!
Good evening. I made your steamed bread last night. YUM! Rubbing the dough with butter not only stopped the dough from drying out while it was left to rise but it also browned the crust during the cooking process. I cooked the bread in a pot that was placed into a larger pot of water. I placed a damp towel over the pots ( the lid did not seal the two pots) and then I placed a large inverted saucepan over the top. Worked like a bomb. Thank you for the recipe
Hi Elaine! Thanks for trying out the recipe and also for your lovely feedback! I’m glad you tried it!
I’ll also rub my dough with some butter, thanks for the tip.
Luuurve ths bread, reminds me of my school days in E.C . Sana i’m proud of you, i love wat i c truly authentic Mzantsi food. As a foodie myself i take my hat off ur work!
Thanks doll! You’ve made my day
Thank you for your website been looking for such a website for ages! I currently live in the UAE and miss a lot of home cooked meals and you came to my rescue. Thanks alot!!!!! mcwa!mcwa!mcwa
Hi Koketso!
Thanks so much for your comment! I love hearing from the people that read and use the recipes on the blog!! I’m glad I could help! Keep well! xoxo!
Mmmhh i’m definitely making this with my tripe on Saturday. thanks thuli
Hope you enjoyed it!!!
I learnt abt u on I am woman and just had to find yr blog. Thank u for taking thos initiative, my cooking will no longer be boring. I have always cookes amadumbe and just enjoyed them salted, I never thought there was ever another way. Tonighy’s dinner is chakalaka chicken with creamy amadumbe, I’m drooling already!
Thank u Thuli, may God bless u dear!
HI Nonto,
Thank you for watching the show! I look forward to sharing recipes and cooking tips with you!
Enjoy dinner and PLEASE let me know how it goes!
Love, Thuli
Hi Thuli
I am sooo happy to have found your site. I am currently living in Germany, being far from home can make u miss the little things you enjoyed as a child like steam bread and dumplings. You are such an inspiration, I watched your story on Youtube, I was very touched. You will still go far with your kind of determination and beautiful spirit.
Thank you!