Nigerian Cricket Bread

Ingredients

In this Nigerian adaptation of Sirkkaleipä, we substitute the traditional Finnish ingredients with Nigerian spices and flavors. Instead of using regular flour, we incorporate cricket flour to enhance the nutritional value and add a unique taste. The original Finnish recipe is transformed into a savory delight by infusing it with Nigerian spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, and garlic, giving it a distinct Nigerian flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Sirkkaleipä, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) cricket flour 2 cups (240g) cricket flour
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cricket flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and honey.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cricket flour — Ensure that the cricket flour is finely ground for a smoother texture in the bread.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds on top of the bread before baking.
• Experiment with different Nigerian spices like turmeric or curry powder to customize the flavor.
• Serve the bread warm with a dollop of Nigerian tomato stew for a delightful combination of flavors.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Toast slices of Nigerian Cricket Bread and serve with a spread of Nigerian peanut butter for a delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve Nigerian Cricket Bread as a side dish with Nigerian soups, stews, or as a snack on its own. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Presentation advice

Slice the Nigerian Cricket Bread into thick slices and arrange them on a wooden cutting board. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an appealing presentation.