Himbasha

Name: Himbasha
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Eritrean
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 tsp cardamom, ground; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 cup warm milk; 2 eggs; 4 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

ሕምባሻ (him-BAH-shah)

Eritrean Celebration Bread

⏱ Prep Time 2 hours

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 285 kcal

A lightly sweet, cardamom-scented wheat bread with a beautiful scored pattern on top, baked for celebrations and served with coffee.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 7.0g

Carbs 44.0g

Fat 9.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

large mixing bowl round baking pan oven sharp knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: round serving plate

Garnishes: powdered sugar dusting

Accompaniments: coffee, tea

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cardamom, ground
1 packet active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
2 eggs
4 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1
Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar, let stand for ten minutes until frothy.
2
Mix flour, sugar, cardamom, and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
3
Knead for ten minutes until smooth and elastic dough forms, cover and let rise for one hour.
4
Punch down dough, shape into a round about two centimeters thick, place in a greased round pan.
5
Score the top with a beautiful traditional pattern using a sharp knife, let rise twenty more minutes.
6
Bake at 180C for twenty-five minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

💡

Did You Know?

The decorative scoring on himbasha follows traditional patterns that vary by region, and skilled bakers are recognized for their artistry.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large mixing bowl
round baking pan
oven
sharp knife

Garnishing

powdered sugar dusting

Accompaniments

coffee, tea

The Story Behind Himbasha

Himbasha is the bread of joy in Eritrean culture, baked exclusively for celebrations, holidays, and the important coffee ceremony. The cardamom fragrance and lightly sweet flavor distinguish it from everyday bread. The ornate scoring patterns on top carry cultural significance, with different designs associated with different regions and occasions. Sharing himbasha is an act of hospitality and community.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed celebrations, coffee ceremony, holidays 📜 Origins: Traditional Eritrean

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