Recipes

Every Eritrean and Ethiopian has a childhood memory associated with himbasha; some people call it ambasha. Himbasha is served on Sunday morning after church services or Saturday afternoons at a lunch gathering with family and friends. I haven't met a single Eritrean who can resist the taste and nostalgia of himbasha. Himbasha is a traditional, spiced homemade bread with origins in Eritrean and Ethiopia. There is typically at least one loaf of bread at birthday parties, wedding celebrations, family gatherings, and after religious services. Everyone has their own bread recipe, with a variation of flour or spices or technique, not to mention the endless ways that people decorate their bread.

Ingredients for flat bread

• 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water or sun water
• 2 teaspoons white sugar 
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp cardamom 
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (optional)
• 1 cup warm milk (whole milk is best)
• 5 teaspoons canola oil 
• 4-5 cups flour

Directions

1. Combine yeast, water and 2 teaspoons sugar in a small bowl. Allow to proof for 5-15 minutes.
2. a large bowl, whisk together until smooth the egg, sugar, nigella seeds (if using) and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture, warmed milk and canola oil. Whisk until well blended.
4. Add flour slowly, about a half cup at a time until the mixture forms a soft ball. When the dough is still sticky, but doesn't stick to the edge of the bowl, it's ready to knead.
5. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead, adding flour as necessary. This will take 5-6 minutes. Your dough should feel soft and elastic, but it should not stick to the board or your hands when you are finished.
6. Spray a large stainless steel or glass bowl with a non-stick cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to ensure all sides are covered in oil. This will prevent the dough from drying out.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and then a tea towel and place in a warm location until the dough is double in size. This should take about 90 minutes.
8. Punch down the dough a few times to remove air bubbles.
9. Grease a 14'' round cake pan or large pizza pan (preferably one with higher siders) and place the dough into the pan and press into a ball.
10. Cover with a towel, return to warm location and let rise for another 30 minutes to an hour. 
11. With a butter knife, cut into sections and decorate as desired. 
12. Bake at 325 for 35-45 minutes or until the top is crusty and light golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and lightly brush with butter.
14. Cut and serve with coffee, tea or meal.