Himbasha - Ethiopian Sweet Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 44g, 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
2. 2.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, warm water, and vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
8. 8.
   Shape each portion into a round or oval-shaped loaf and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9.
   Using a sharp knife, score the top of each loaf with decorative patterns.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle sesame seeds over the loaves for garnish.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue. The zest adds a delightful citrusy aroma to the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of ground cloves to the dough.
• Serve Himbasha warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing it from the oven.

Serving advice

Himbasha is best enjoyed warm. Slice it and serve it as is, or spread some butter or honey on top for added indulgence. It pairs perfectly with a cup of Ethiopian coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top of the bread just before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and contrasts beautifully with the golden crust.