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Rēwena bread
Two to three days ahead, boil the diced potato in the 250 ml water until soft. Mash it in the water and cool to lukewarm. Stir in the bug flour and sugar to a thick batter.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Rēwena bread take?
61 hr 30 min all in — 40 min prep, 50 min cook, 60 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 12 slices. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Oven, Mixing bowl, Saucepan, Dutch oven.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
How much sugar?
2 tsp of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Potato → Kūmara (sweet potato). Makes a sweeter, darker bug. Also traditional in some families.
What should I watch for?
The crust browns before the centre is done. If it darkens too fast, tent with foil.
Any tips from this recipe?
Feed the saved bug with a spoon of mashed potato, a spoon of flour and a pinch of sugar every few days and it will keep going indefinitely in the fridge. If the dough feels sluggish, the half teaspoon of baking soda kneaded in just before shaping gives it a nudge. Many nans do this. The crumb is meant to be close and a little damp. Do not judge it by a baguette.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Two to three days ahead, boil the diced potato in the 250 ml water until soft. Mash it in the water and cool to lukewarm. Stir in the bug flour and sugar to a thick batter. Cool on a rack at least 1 hour before slicing. Rēwena is better the next day and stays good for four or five.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.