Baking is a culinary art that has existed for decades. There are commonly used baking tools, such as pans, but trying new ideas and being artistic in baking is interesting. One such way is the use of a sufuria to make a mouthwatering cake or bread with a traditional touch. Here’s how to bake with a sufuria; an exciting way to meet your baking needs.
Baking Essentials: Where to begin
For effective and easy baking, you’ll need the necessary tools and ingredients before starting. You’ll need the following:
Tools:
- Sufuria
- Oven/stove/jiko
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Baking pans
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
- Timer
- Parchment paper
- Oven mitts
- Cake tester or toothpick
Ingredients for baking a cake With a Sufuria
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of powdered or granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Find Out: 9 Best Types Of Gas Cylinders In Kenya
Baking a Cake with a Sufuria: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
While baking with a sufuria is not common, it’s surprisingly straightforward when you understand these steps:
1. Prepare the sufuria
- Begin by choosing a sufuria that fits your recipe and one that has a snug-fitting lid to retain moisture during the baking process.
- Grease the inside of the sufuria to prevent the cake from sticking. Otherwise, line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Preheat the sufuria
- Place the sufuria in the oven and heat it on low heat while you prepare the cake batter.
- Preheat the sufuria up to 350℉ when using an oven and the desired temperature according to the recipe if using other heating sources. For accuracy, use a thermometer.
Find Out: Kenyan Matumbo Food: Recipe And The Easiest Preparation Method
3. Make the Cake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together to a desired texture.
4. Pour the Batter
- Pour the cake batter into the sufuria.
- Ensure the batter is not more than two-thirds of its capacity. Then, smoothen the top with a spatula or a spoon.
5. Bake
- Place the sufuria in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- To check doneness, insert a cake tester or a toothpick. If the toothpick has some crumbs or comes out clean, it’s done. But if the toothpick has batter, let it continue cooking, then recheck.
6. Cool the Cake
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the sufuria using oven mitts.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Then, invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Ingredients for Sufuria Banana Bread
- 2-3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the Sufuria: Place your sufuria on low heat and cover it. This will create an oven-like environment. If you’re using a regular oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Be careful not to overmix; if there are a few lumps, it’s okay.
- Pour batter into Sufuria: Carefully pour the banana bread batter into the preheated sufuria. Place the lid on the sufuria.
- Bake the banana bread in the covered sufuria over low heat for about 45-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when it’s done. If you’re using a regular oven, bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes.
Why You Should Bake With a Sufuria
Here are the benefits of baking with a Sufuria:
- Versatility: Sufurias come in various sizes, unlike baking pans in fixed sizes. This helps achieve your intended results due to their different depth and sizes.
- Even Heat Distribution: Sufurias are designed to distribute heat evenly across their surface. This uniform heat distribution is crucial for baking because it ensures that your cake cooks evenly and doesn’t have hotspots that can lead to uneven results.
- Retains Moisture: Some sufurias come with lids that help trap moisture during baking. This helps keep the cake moist while preventing it from drying out.
Tips for Effective Sufuria Baking
- Use a sufuria size enough to accommodate the rising of the cake. A smaller or larger sufuria may affect cooking time, leading to undesirable results.
- Ensure the sufuria is properly preheated before putting it in the batter.
- Use a timer to track the baking process. This will help avoid overcooking and undercooking.
- Avoid opening the lid as it would cause temperature fluctuation and moisture loss, affecting the cake-baking process.
- Maintain low to medium heat to avoid burning out the lower part of the cake.
FAQs
Is it safe to bake in the oven using a sufuria?
It is safe to bake in the oven with a sufuria if it doesn’t have heat-sensitive surfaces and handles. You can use it in both conventional and standard ovens. However, it is advisable to use low to medium temperatures to avoid burning risks.
How can I ensure that my cake doesn’t stick to the surfaces?
To ensure your cake doesn’t stick to the sufuria, you should grease the sufuria properly before you start the baking process. You can also add flour dust to the greasing. Otherwise, place a parchment paper in the sufuria before pouring the batter.
You can also use a non-stick cooking spray designed for baking. Spray a thin, even layer over the interior of the sufuria before adding the cake batter.
Can I bake with a sufuria using a gas cooker?
Yes, you can bake with a sufuria using a gas cooker. Using a gas cooker to bake a cake is similar to using an oven. You will use the gas cooker and place some hot coal on the sufuria lid, making a mini-oven.
