Himbasha (Eritrean Celebration Bread)
Himbasha, also known as Ambasha or H'mbasha, is a traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian celebratory bread. It's a slightly sweet, leavened bread, often flavored with cardamom and sometimes sesame seeds. Its distinctive feature is the decorative patterns scored on top, traditionally resembling a wheel or other symbolic designs. It's enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Warm water
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 2.25 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.25 cup Vegetable oil(plus extra for greasing)
- 0.5 tsp Ground cardamom
- 2 tsp Black sesame seeds(or nigella seeds)
- 3 tbsp Milk(for brushing (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the warm water with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, cardamom, and sesame seeds. Make a well in the center.
- 3
Pour the foamy yeast mixture and the vegetable oil into the well. Gradually add the remaining warm water while mixing to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes, or in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Punch down the dough gently. Divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat round loaf (about 30 cm or 12 inches in diameter) on a lightly floured surface or directly in a greased skillet if cooking on the stovetop.
- 6
Using a blunt knife or a similar tool, score decorative patterns onto the surface of the dough. Traditional patterns include concentric circles or a wheel design.
- 7
If baking in the oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet. Brush with milk if desired. Bake for 20-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 8
If cooking on the stovetop: Place the shaped dough in a lightly greased skillet over low to medium-low heat. Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust heat to prevent burning.
- 9
Let cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The decorative scoring should be done relatively quickly after shaping to prevent the dough from rising too much and losing the pattern.
- ✓For a richer flavor, some recipes add a tablespoon of honey or a few raisins to the dough.
- ✓Ensure the water used for the yeast is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes use a mix of teff flour and all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture.
- Raisins or other dried fruits can be incorporated into the dough for added sweetness.