Hembesha
Hembesha Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Eritrea
Introduction
Hembesha is a traditional Ethiopian bread that is typically enjoyed as a snack or with a cup of coffee. This flavorful bread is made with whole wheat flour and a blend of spices that give it a unique taste.
History
Hembesha has been a staple in Ethiopian cuisine for centuries. It is often made for special occasions and celebrations, as well as for everyday meals. The bread is typically made by hand and is a labor of love for many Ethiopian families.
Ingredients
- 300 cc lukewarm water
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 tsp ground fenugreek seed
- 0.5 tsp ground coriander seed
- 0.5 tsp ground cardamom seed
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp oil or butter
- 450 g flour or 225 g flour + 225 g whole wheat flour
- optional: a dash of white pepper, cayenne, ground ginger
How to prepare
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water in a large bowl.
- Mix the egg and spices.
- Add the flour gradually.
- Knead the mixture for 10 minutes on a floured surface.
- Allow the dough to rise, covered with a tea towel, in a warm place.
- Knead the mixture again and shape it into a round, flat bread (2 centimeters high) on a frying pan. Allow the dough to rise a second time in a warm place until its volume has doubled.
- Decorate the bread with a knife or nails.
- Bake the bread in the covered frying pan for 10 minutes over medium to low heat.
- Flip the bread and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the frying pan and spread it with some water and butter.
- Serve warm or cold in wedges.
Variations
- Add raisins or nuts to the dough for a sweeter version of Hembesha.
- Use different spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to help activate the yeast.
- Decorate the bread with a knife or nails to create a traditional design.
- Serve the bread warm or cold for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Hembesha can be served with honey, butter, or a spicy dipping sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a light and fluffy texture.
- Allow the dough to rise twice to ensure a soft and airy bread.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast.
- Olive oil can be used instead of butter.
Make Ahead Tips
Hembesha can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Hembesha on a platter with fresh fruit and cheese for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Hembesha pairs well with Ethiopian coffee or tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Hembesha in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a toaster oven or microwave until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Hembesha contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Hembesha contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Hembesha contains approximately 5 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Hembesha contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Hembesha is a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Alergens
Hembesha contains wheat and eggs.
Summary
Hembesha is a nutritious bread that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Hembesha is a delicious and nutritious Ethiopian bread that is perfect for snacking or enjoying with a cup of coffee. With its blend of spices and whole wheat flour, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Hembesha. It was a warm summer day in Ethiopia, and I was visiting my aunt who lived in a small village outside of Addis Ababa. My aunt was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had a reputation for making the best Hembesha in the entire region.
I remember walking into her kitchen and being greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked bread. My aunt was busy kneading the dough, her hands moving with practiced precision. I watched in awe as she shaped the dough into a round loaf and placed it in the oven to bake.
As the bread baked, my aunt began to tell me the story of how she learned to make Hembesha. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of women in our family, each adding their own twist to make it their own.
My aunt's version of Hembesha was unlike any I had tasted before. It was soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy crust that crackled when you bit into it. The flavors were a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice that lingered on your tongue.
I was determined to learn how to make Hembesha, and my aunt was more than happy to teach me. She showed me how to mix the dough, how to shape it into a round loaf, and how to bake it to perfection. I watched her every move, determined to replicate her masterpiece.
After hours of kneading, shaping, and baking, my aunt and I sat down to enjoy our freshly baked Hembesha. The bread was still warm from the oven, and it melted in my mouth with each bite. My aunt smiled at me, proud of my accomplishment.
From that day on, I made Hembesha whenever I could. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twists to the recipe. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top, or a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth. Each time I made Hembesha, I thought of my aunt and the day she had taught me how to make it.
Years passed, and I continued to make Hembesha for my family and friends. It became a tradition in our household, something we looked forward to during holidays and special occasions. The recipe became a part of me, a link to my heritage and my family's past.
As I grew older, I realized that the recipe for Hembesha was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It was a piece of my family's history, a connection to the women who had come before me. It was a reminder of the love and care that went into every loaf of bread, and the joy that came from sharing it with others.
Today, whenever I make Hembesha, I think of my aunt and the day she taught me how to make it. I remember the warmth of her kitchen, the smell of freshly baked bread, and the pride in her eyes as she watched me learn. And as I take a bite of the soft, fluffy bread, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the recipe that has brought my family together for generations.
Categories
| Cardamom Recipes | Coriander Seed Recipes | Eritrean Recipes | Eritrean Snacks | Eritrean Vegetarian | Fenugreek Recipes | Flatbread Recipes | Fresh Yeast Recipes | White Pepper Recipes | Whole Wheat Flour Recipes | Yeast Recipes |