Emirati-style Cream Bread

Ingredients

In this Emirati adaptation of Seterjentas rømmebrod, we have replaced the traditional Norwegian ingredients with Emirati-style cream and spices. The original recipe uses sour cream, while our version incorporates Emirati cream, which lends a unique richness to the bread. Additionally, we have infused the bread with saffron and cardamom, which are commonly used in Emirati cuisine, to enhance the flavor profile and give it an authentic Emirati twist. We alse have the original recipe for Seterjentas rømmebrod, 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
• 100g (½ cup) sugar 100g (½ cup) sugar
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk ½ tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
• 250ml (1 cup) Emirati-style cream 250ml (1 cup) Emirati-style cream
• 125ml (½ cup) warm water 125ml (½ cup) warm water
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 12g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, ground cardamom, and soaked saffron. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the Emirati-style cream and warm water to the dry ingredients. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. 3.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round balls.
6. 6.
   Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball.
7. 7.
   Brush the dough balls with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Emirati-style cream — Ensure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the dough. This will help in achieving a smooth and elastic texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• Serve the Emirati-style Cream Bread warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
• This bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it is baked, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To reheat the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Emirati-style Cream Bread as a delightful accompaniment to Emirati dishes such as Machbous (spiced rice with meat) or Harees (a traditional wheat and meat porridge). It can also be enjoyed on its own as a delicious snack or breakfast treat.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Emirati-style Cream Bread, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. Serve it on a decorative platter or in a traditional Emirati bread basket for an authentic touch.