Steamed bread with caramelised onions, spinach and feta (uJeqe)

Method

Caramelised onions

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over a medium temperature and sauté onions slowly with thyme until nearly soft.
2. Add brown sugar and vinegar and sauté onions until caramelised – about 10-15 minutes. Season to taste and set aside.

Bread dough

1. Place flour, yeast, brown sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir through. Make a well in the flour and start adding two-thirds of the water to the flour and stir with a wooden spoon or mix with your hands. Gradually add more water, if needed, until a soft, manageable dough is formed. Knead in the oil. Add a tablespoon or two of extra flour, if the dough is too sticky.
2. Knead by hand in the bowl until dough is soft and smooth. When lightly pressed with your thumb, it should bounce back immediately. If not, continue to knead for another few minutes.
3. Spread a few drops of oil into a clean mixing bowl and place dough in the bowl.
4. Cover bowl with cling wrap and place a clean dish towel or blanket over the bowl. Place the bowl in a warm spot like a sunny windowsill or close to a warm oven. Allow to rise for 20-30 minutes or until doubled in volume.
5. Knock down the dough with your hands. Add half of the caramelised onions with the spinach and feta and knead until well combined and evenly dispersed in the dough.
6. Lightly grease a large 2 litre, heatproof enamel or glass bowl that will fit into a large pot (5-8 litre capacity.)
7. Shape the dough with your hands to be just smaller than the bowl. Place dough in the greased bowl and cover with a clean dish towel.
8. Allow to rise again in a warm place for another 20-30 minutes or until doubled in volume.
9. Pour about 3–4 cups of water into the large pot and bring to a boil over a medium temperature. Place bowl into the water and cover with a lid. Reduce heat and allow to simmer gently, for 40-45 minutes, or until bread is cooked. Do not open the lid during this time. Test with a cake tester or skewers – it should come out clean once cooked through.
10. Cool for a few minutes in the bowl, then carefully turn out. Serve warm with butter and remaining caramelised onions.

Serving suggestions

1. Substitute the caramelised onions in the bread dough for cooked bacon, sliced jalapeños, peppers or Peppadews®, or make a combination of your choice.
2. Steamed bread is popular as a side dish with a braai, but can be enjoyed as part of any meal where you want to serve a warm, homemade bread.