Steaming Soft Bread: The Ultimate Guide To Perfection

Steamed bread is a traditional South African dish, also known as Isonka Samanzi, Ujeqe, Umkhupha or Idombolo. It is a soft, fluffy bread that can be served with butter, jam, stews, or even tea. The process of making steamed bread involves mixing and kneading a dough, letting it rise, and then steaming it for an extended period. The ingredients typically include flour, yeast, sugar, and water, with some recipes adding oil or margarine. The dough is often shaped into a ball and steamed in an enamel bowl or ramekin inside a larger pot of boiling water. The bread is then allowed to cool slightly before being served warm.

How to make a soft and fluffy dough

To make a soft and fluffy dough, you'll need to carefully follow a few steps. Firstly, gather your ingredients: flour, yeast, sugar, and water. You can also add a little oil to your dough to keep it fresh and fluffy for longer.

Start by mixing your dry ingredients, creating a "hole" in the middle for the water. Gradually pour in the water, mixing carefully until you have a smooth, wet batter. It should be sticky but not too wet. Cover the mixture and leave it to rise for an hour in a warm environment. After this, mix it again and cover for another 30 minutes.

Now, you can start to shape the dough. If you're making buns, divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into smooth balls. If you're making a loaf, shape the dough into a ball. Place the dough into a greased bowl and cover it again to rise for another 30 minutes.

Once the dough has risen, it's ready to be steamed. Place the bowl in a large pot with boiling water, ensuring the water only comes halfway up the bowl. Cover and steam for around 1-2 hours.

Your soft and fluffy dough is now ready to be enjoyed!

Preparing the steamer

To prepare the steamer, you will need a large pot or saucepan with a lid, a trivet, and a bowl that fits inside the pot with room to spare. The bowl should be made of enamel or metal, and it should be greased with butter or oil to prevent the dough from sticking. You will also need a larger pot or saucepan to boil water in, which will be used to generate steam.

Before placing the dough in the bowl, ensure that it has risen sufficiently. This may take around an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it into the greased bowl. Cover the bowl with greased plastic or a clean dish towel.

Next, fill the larger pot or saucepan with water and place it on the stove to boil. The amount of water added should be enough to cover at least half of the bowl containing the dough. Place the trivet into the pot, and then carefully place the bowl with the dough on top of the trivet. Cover the pot with its lid, ensuring that the lid is dry to prevent condensation from forming.

Set the stove to medium heat and allow the dough to steam. The steaming time may vary depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 45 minutes to an hour or more. It is important not to lift the lid during the steaming process, as this can cause the dough to collapse.

Once the steaming is complete, carefully remove the bowl from the pot using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the steam. Place the steamed bread, still in its bowl, on a cooling rack and cover it with a clean cloth. Allow it to cool slightly before removing it from the bowl and serving.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for steamed bread vary depending on the recipe and the type of steamed bread being made. Here is a detailed guide:

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for steamed bread ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours. Most recipes call for steaming the bread for around 1 hour. However, some recipes suggest a longer steaming time of up to 2 and a half hours.

Cooking Temperature:

The ideal temperature for steaming bread is medium heat. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bread from burning or becoming too crispy.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time:

• Size of the Bread: Larger loaves may require a longer steaming time compared to smaller ones.
• Number of Breads: Cooking multiple loaves at once may increase the cooking time.
• Dough Consistency: A denser or thicker dough may need a longer steaming time compared to a lighter, fluffier dough.
• Cooking Method: Different cooking methods and equipment can affect the cooking time. For example, using a pressure cooker or an instant pot may have different steaming times compared to a traditional stovetop method.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Maintain a steady temperature: Keep the heat consistent throughout the steaming process to ensure even cooking.
• Don't rush the process: Avoid opening the lid during steaming, as this can cause the dough to collapse.
• Check for doneness: Use a knife to test the level of stickiness of the bread. It should not be wet or sticky to the touch when fully cooked.
• Allow for resting: After steaming, let the bread rest for a few minutes before removing it from the pot or bowl. This helps to ensure the bread is fully cooked and prevents it from collapsing.
• Cooling and serving: Steamed bread is typically served warm, so allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as needed, you can create delicious and perfectly cooked steamed bread.

Removing the bread from the steamer

Once your bread is done steaming, it's time to remove it from the steamer. But it's important to do this step carefully to avoid burning yourself or ruining your bread. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove your bread from the steamer:

Firstly, before you attempt to remove the bread, ensure that it is fully cooked. You can test this by using a knife to check the level of stickiness. The bread should not be wet or sticky to the touch. If it is still sticky, it needs to be steamed for a little longer.

Now, turn off the heat source and carefully open the lid of your steamer. Using oven mitts or pot holders, gently lift the bowl or dish containing the bread out of the steamer. Be cautious as the steam will be hot and can cause burns. Place the bowl or dish on a heat-resistant surface, such as a cooling rack or a trivet.

Let the bread cool slightly before attempting to handle it. This usually takes around 2-5 minutes. During this time, you can prepare a serving plate or platter.

After the bread has cooled slightly, carefully remove it from the bowl or dish. You can use a knife to loosen the sides of the bread from the dish if needed. Place the bread on a serving platter and cover it with a clean cloth. Allow the bread to cool slightly more before serving.

Steamed bread is best served warm, so don't let it cool completely. Enjoy your freshly steamed bread with butter, jam, or your favourite stew!

Serving suggestions

Steamed bread is a traditional South African dish, often served warm with butter, tea, or a variety of savoury dishes.

For a simple serving suggestion, allow the bread to cool slightly, as it should be warm when it reaches the plate. Then, serve with butter and your choice of jam.

For a more indulgent option, melt butter on the bread and sip tea alongside it. This is a nostalgic way to enjoy this dish, as it is how many South Africans grew up eating it.

Steamed bread also pairs well with a variety of stews. For example, you could serve it with a beef or chicken stew, or ulusu (tripe).

If you want to serve the bread as part of a larger meal, accompany it with cooked green beans, pumpkin, and potato salad.

Frequently asked questions