Handful of pāhiri māota (fresh basil). This can be swapped your favourite herb. Or swap it for 1 tbsp of dried herbs.
250 gtīhi (cheese, use whatever cheese you have, I love a mix).
Instructions
The Dough – Te Pokenga
Add the wai aromahana (lukewarm water) and huka (sugar) to a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add the īhi and stir again. Leave for 5 minutes until it is activated and the īhi (yeast) has floated to the top.
Add the puehu parāoa (flour), kūmene (cumin), tote (salt) and miraka tepe (yogurt) in to the yeast mixture.Using a bread and butter knife, mix it all together until a dough forms. Once the dough is roughly incorporated, it is time to knead the dough.
Kneading the Dough - Mahi Pokepoke Parāoa
If you are using a mixer, place the dough in the mixing bowl. Using a dough hook, knead for 9 – 10 minutes on low-medium speed. If you are kneading by hand, add the dough to a lightly floured bench or table. Knead the dough with the palms of your hands (not with your fingers), for 10 – 12 minutes.
Try not to add any extra flour when you are kneading. If it is super sticky, only add a tablespoon of flour at a time (up to 3 tbsp) and continue kneading.Remember, a slightly sticky dough is better than a stiff dough.
Once the dough is lovely and stretchy (see the video for reference), mould in to a ball and add it in to a clean bowl. Cover with a tea towel or bowl cover. Rise for 1 ½ – 1 ¾ hours, the dough should double in size.
Assembly – Mahi Porotiti
Line a 30 cm x 25 cm tray with baking paper. Note: Try and use a tray this size so the scrolls bake evenly. If the scrolls are close-ish together on the tray they will rise better.
Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a table or bench. Roll out the risen dough to a 30cm x 40cm rectangle.
Spread over the penu amiami (pesto).Sprinkle over the nati kaheu (cashew nuts) and divide small blobs of the kirīmi tīhi (cream cheese) over the dough.
Roughly chop the kōrihi (spinach) in to small pieces and sprinkle them on top. Grate over the tīhi (cheese) and a sprinkle of pāhiri (basil), or whatever herbs you are using.
Pōkaia te pokenga (roll up the dough).Cut in to 12 even pieces with a serrated knife and add to the prepared tray, making sure the scrolls are evenly spaced apart.
Cover with a tea towel and rise again for 45 minutes.As it rises, preheat the oven to 170 °C.
Once the scrolls have risen, place them in the oven.Bake for 28 – 30 minutes.
Leave the porotiti (scrolls) to cool for five minutes before serving. These are best served warm. If you have any left over, store in a plastic bag or in a sealed container. Toast them under the grill the next day to bring them back to life.