Maltese Bread with Mughlai Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Maltese bread is infused with Mughlai spices to give it a unique flavor profile. The original bread is typically plain, while this version incorporates cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves to add warmth and depth to the bread. We alse have the original recipe for Ħobż tal-Malti, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp ground cloves
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• Olive oil, for greasing Olive oil, for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   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.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf.
7. 7.
   Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rest for 15 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cardamom — Use freshly ground cardamom for the best flavor.
• Cinnamon — Opt for Ceylon cinnamon for a more authentic taste.
• Cloves — Grind whole cloves for a stronger aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a sweeter version, add 2 tablespoons of honey to the dough.
• Serve the bread warm with ghee or butter for an extra indulgent treat.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Make sure the water used for the dough is warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Mughlai Spiced Maltese Bread as a side dish with Mughlai curries or enjoy it on its own as a snack. It pairs well with chutneys, pickles, or yogurt.

Presentation advice

Present the Mughlai Spiced Maltese Bread on a wooden cutting board or a traditional Mughlai-style platter. Sprinkle some powdered sugar or ground cinnamon on top for an elegant touch.