A Very Simple Dombolo Recipe

by Staff Bona

For Mmule Setati, food has always been about more than filling a plate. It’s about preserving heritage, celebrating family, and keeping traditions alive. A proud “South African food snob,” she finds joy in passing down home-style recipes like idombolo (steamed bread) to her sons ensuring the flavours of the past live on in the future.

In her home, every dish tells a story. A quick call to an elder while preparing dough might turn into a lesson on family values, while a fun baking session with kids brings playful twists – such as adding lime zest to scones or sweet corn to dumplings. These small moments show that tradition can grow and adapt, while still honouring its roots.

At the heart of these recipes is something simple yet powerful: Royal Baking Powder. Just a spoonful is enough to turn the most basic ingredients into something fluffy, light, and memorable – proof that big things really can start small.

That’s what it means to Make Big Things Happen: turning everyday cooking into a way of connecting, teaching, and creating new traditions one recipe at a time.

 

 

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Mmule’s Quick Steamed Buns (Idombolo)

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp Royal Baking Powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp oil

Optional Add-ins:

• Sweetcorn kernels or grated carrots

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and Royal Baking Powder (the secret to keeping them soft and fluffy).
2. Add the warm milk and oil to form a soft dough.
3. Fold in sweetcorn or carrots if using.
4. Divide into balls and place in a steamer.
5. Steam for 12–15 minutes until light and fluffy.
6. Serve warm with a hearty stew.

Because sometimes, the smallest ingredients can help you Make Big Things Happen.

Also see: Savoury dombolo