For the longest time, I’ve been eager to master the art of making uJeqe, South Africa’s beloved steamed bread. Despite the myth that it’s a complex dish reserved for a chosen few, I decided to take matters into my own hands. When my go-to teacher kept dragging their feet, I took to Google and found a lifesaver: a recipe from The Lazy Makoti.
uJeqe is a traditional South African dish, often paired with a hearty stew or curry, making it a beloved side that often steals the show. Having a background in baking, I was thrilled to discover that my skills were a perfect fit for this recipe.
Inspired by the skeptics who claim “uJeqe unabantu bawo” (only a select few can master this), I’m here to debunk that myth. Anyone with a pair of hands, a willing spirit, and a love for good food can whip up uJeqe! So, let’s get cooking…
Ingredients
- 4½ cups cake flour
- 500ml warm water (tap or boiled and cooled)
- 10ml instant dry yeast
- 5ml salt
- 90ml sugar
Method
- Prep the Dish: Grease an enamel dish or bowl with butter or margarine. I use a baking pan, courtesy of my mom’s well-stocked kitchen.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands.
- Knead the Dough: Add warm water and knead until the dough is smooth and not sticky. I use an electric mixer with kneading hooks – thank you, technology!
- Let It Rise: Pour the dough into the greased bowl, cover with a clean dishcloth, and let it rise for about 45 minutes.
- Prepare the Pot: Fill a pot with water, about a third full or deep enough to hold the bowl. Place the greased bowl inside.
- Steam the Dough: Steam for at least an hour, or until fully cooked. Check with a long, thin utensil (I use a chopstick) to see if it’s done. Keep the lid on during cooking, only lifting it to check after an hour.
- Final Touch: Once cooked, carefully remove the bowl from the pot using a dishcloth or oven mitts.
- Enjoy Your Jeqe: Serve your delicious creation however you like. Well done, Chef!
And that’s how simple it is to make uJeqe! Give this recipe a try and share your results with me. Take pictures of your tasty creations and tag @TBOAphsie on your socials.
Yours – but mine first,
Hey Aphsy, I will try it out and see if it’s as nice as the ujeqe we had at the Shisanyama by the beach with Siya, Deneo, Pam, Nelly and Londi.
Will let you know how it went
Oh yummy, I remember that day like it was yesterday – enjoy Skonz 🖤
Thank you so much for this, after multiple failed attempts with either too much salt added or waaay too much sugar, today I’m a proud Mama who successfully made delicious, fluffy and well balanced Jeqe😍😋
🤩 That’s amazing – congratulations & enjoy your delicious success Mama 🙌🏾
This sounds like a really lovely recipe; thank you for sharing it here! I have never tried this but I would love to.
Thank you! I hope you give it a try – I’m sure you’ll love it ♡
Jeqe sounds delicious and it looks fairly straightforward to make! I should try it one day!
You definitely should – it’s both delicious and surprisingly easy to make. I think you’ll love it! Let me know how it turns out when you give it a try ♡
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Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad you find the articles informative and I’ll definitely keep posting more ♡
Hello. I just love the smell of all types of freshly baked home made bread. I’ve had success with most of them. I’ve eaten steamed bread and I really enjoy it. I’m going to try making my own steamed bread using this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Alvin – there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread. I’m so glad you enjoy steamed bread, and I’m excited for you to try this recipe. I hope it turns out amazing—happy baking ♡
I’m so glad you persevered and gave this a go! It sounds amazing, and doesn’t look TOO challenging to make 😬 Thank you for sharing! ☺️
I’m so glad you think so! It’s definitely worth giving a try & the pleasure is all mine ♡