Himbasha (Eritrean Celebration Bread)
Local name: ሕምባሻ
In short: A large round of lightly sweet, cardamom-scented bread scored with a spoked pattern, baked for holidays and gatherings and torn apart at the table. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 345 kcal
Himbasha is the bread Eritrean families bake for holidays, baptisms and gatherings. The dough is lightly sweet and scented with cardamom, patted into a thick round and scored in a spoked pattern before baking, so it can be torn into wedges at the table. It goes well with coffee, tea or a spread of jam. Eat it warm, ideally the day it is baked.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, salt and cardamom in a large bowl. Add the oil and most of the water and mix to a shaggy dough, adding the last water only if the flour feels dry.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, soft and springy. Knead in the raisins, if using.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled.
- Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a round 22 to 25 cm (9 to 10 in) across and 3 cm (1 1/4 in) thick.
- Press a small cup into the center to mark a circle. With a knife, cut shallow lines about 1 cm (1/2 in) deep radiating from the circle to the edge, like the spokes of a wheel.
- Cover and let the shaped loaf rise for 30 minutes. Brush with the remaining oil, sprinkle with nigella seeds, if using, and prick the dough all over with a fork.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then tear into wedges.
Tips
- For the best aroma, crush the seeds from 8 green cardamom pods and grind them fresh instead of using pre-ground cardamom.
- For a soft crust, brush the hot loaf with a little more oil and cover it with a clean cloth for 10 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I make himbasha ahead of time?
Bake it the day before and keep it wrapped at room temperature. Warm it in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 10 minutes before serving.
Can himbasha be frozen?
Yes. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in the oven.
What is himbasha served with?
Coffee or tea, especially at gatherings, with jam on the side. It is also eaten at breakfast.
How long does it take to make Himbasha (Eritrean Celebration Bread)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Himbasha (Eritrean Celebration Bread)?
About 345 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 55 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
