Mkate wa Maji - Tanzanian Water Bread

Ingredients

In the British adaptation of Mkate wa Maji, we have replaced some of the traditional Tanzanian ingredients with British alternatives. The recipe now includes ingredients commonly found in British households, ensuring that you can easily recreate this Tanzanian delicacy in your own kitchen. We alse have the original recipe for Mkate wa maji, so you can check it out.

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. 3.
   Add the vegetable oil, milk, and water to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
5. 5.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. 6.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Avoid using self-rising flour as it already contains baking powder.
• Milk — You can use any type of milk, such as whole milk or semi-skimmed milk, based on your preference.
• Vegetable oil — Feel free to substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a touch of British flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• Serve the bread warm with butter or jam for a delightful breakfast or afternoon tea treat.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, for a dairy-free version.
• Toast the slices of Mkate wa Maji and serve with your favorite spreads for a delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve Mkate wa Maji as a side dish with stews, curries, or soups. It also pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Presentation advice

Slice the Mkate wa Maji into thick slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Alternatively, you can serve the bread in a bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel.