🇱🇸 Basotho (Lesotho) Cuisine

Lepu

Basotho Steamed Bread

Prep Time 30 min + 1 hr rise

Servings 8

Difficulty Medium

Calories 252 kcal

A dense, slightly sweet steamed bread cooked in a pot over the fire. This pillowy bread is a beloved accompaniment to stews and is often served at celebrations and communal meals.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1.5 cups warm water

Instructions

1 Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl
2 Add oil and warm water, mix to form a soft dough
3 Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic
4 Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled
5 Grease a pot and place dough inside
6 Cover with a damp cloth then the pot lid
7 Steam over medium heat for 50-60 minutes
8 Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped
9 Slice and serve warm with stew

Did You Know?

Lepu is sometimes called 'ujeqe' in some regions. The bread puffs up dramatically during steaming, and an experienced cook can tell when it is ready by the hollow sound it makes when tapped.