Pāraoa Parai

How to Make Pāraoa Parai

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1. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl.

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2. Add the water gradually, stirring to a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead gently for 1 minute, until smooth, and cover with a cloth for 15 minutes.

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3. Pat the dough out on a floured surface to 1.5 cm thick and cut it into 12 squares or rounds.

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4. Pour the oil into a deep 24 cm pan, so that it is about 2 cm deep, and heat to 180°C / 350°F.

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5. Fry the dough pieces in batches, 3 or 4 at a time, for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until puffed and deep golden.

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6. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

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7. Serve hot, torn open and spread with jam or golden syrup, and with butter if you eat dairy.

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Tips for Making Pāraoa Parai

• Check the oil temperature. Too cool and the bread soaks up grease and stays flat, and too hot and it browns before the middle cooks.
• Do not roll the dough too thin. A thickness of 1.5 cm gives enough body to puff into a pillow.
• Eat it hot. Fried bread is at its best in the first 15 minutes, and it goes tough and chewy when cold.

What to Serve with Pāraoa Parai

• Butter and jam
• Honey or golden syrup
• A boil-up of pork and watercress

Storing & Reheating Pāraoa Parai

Best eaten fresh. Keeps in a paper bag for a day and can be reheated in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes.

Pāraoa Parai FAQ: Common Questions

Pāraoa Parai Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.