Hawaiian Poi Bread is a delightfully soft and slightly sweet bread that captures the essence of the islands in every bite. This unique recipe combines the traditional Hawaiian staple of poi, made from taro root, with simple bread ingredients to create a tender, purple-tinged loaf that’s both nutritious and delicious. The poi adds natural moisture and a subtle earthy sweetness that makes this bread perfect for breakfast toast, sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own with a pat of butter. This recipe yields two standard loaves, serving approximately 16-20 people with generous slices.
What Makes Poi Bread Special
Poi bread stands out from regular bread due to its distinctive ingredient: poi, a paste made from cooked and pounded taro root. This traditional Hawaiian food not only gives the bread its characteristic light purple color but also contributes to its incredibly soft texture and extended freshness. The taro root adds complex carbohydrates and nutrients while creating a bread that stays moist for days longer than typical homemade loaves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup poi (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 egg for wash
You can find poi in the refrigerated section of many grocery stores or Hawaiian specialty shops. If fresh poi isn’t available, frozen poi that’s been completely thawed works perfectly as a substitute.
Preparing Your Workspace
Before beginning, ensure your poi is at room temperature and has a smooth, paste-like consistency. If it seems too thick, you can thin it slightly with a tablespoon of warm water. Set up your mixing area with a large bowl and have all ingredients measured and ready. This bread requires two rises, so plan for about three hours from start to finish.
Making the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water with a pinch of the sugar. Let this mixture sit for five minutes until it becomes foamy, which indicates the yeast is active. In your large mixing bowl, combine the poi, remaining sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients until well combined, then add the foamy yeast mixture.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough will be slightly sticky due to the moisture from the poi, which is normal. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about eight minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not wet.
First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about one hour, or until doubled in size. The poi helps create an ideal environment for the yeast, often resulting in a particularly good rise.
Shaping and Second Rise
After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each portion into a loaf and place in greased nine-by-five-inch loaf pans. Cover the loaves and let them rise again for about 45 minutes, until they’ve risen about an inch above the rim of the pans.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash, then brush this mixture over the tops of both loaves. This will give your poi bread a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes, until they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and have reached an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The crust should be golden brown with hints of the purple color showing through.
Cooling and Serving
Remove the bread from the pans immediately after baking and place on wire racks to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. The poi bread is best when cooled for at least one hour before slicing, as this allows the crumb to set properly.
Storage and Enjoying Your Poi Bread
Thanks to the moisture from the poi, this bread stays fresh longer than regular bread. Store it in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze individual slices for up to three months. The bread is delicious toasted with butter and jam for breakfast, used for sandwiches, or served alongside Hawaiian dishes. Its subtle sweetness and unique texture make it a conversation starter at any meal.
This Hawaiian Poi Bread brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen while creating a nutritious and satisfying bread that the whole family will love. The natural purple hue and incredible softness make every slice a special treat.
