Kyrgyz Gingerbread

Kyrgyz Gingerbread Recipe from Kyrgyzstan | Ingredients: Shortening, Sugar, Egg, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Cloves, Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Molasses, Water

Region / culture: Kyrgyzstan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Kyrgyz Gingerbread is a traditional dessert that is popular in Kyrgyzstan. This delicious treat is made with a combination of warm spices and molasses, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. It is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

Kyrgyz Gingerbread has been a staple in Kyrgyz cuisine for many years. It is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays, as well as a simple dessert to enjoy with family and friends. The warm spices used in this recipe are reminiscent of the flavors found in Central Asian cuisine.

Ingredients

0.33 cup of shortening
0.5 cup of sugar
1 egg
2 and 0.5 cups of flour
2 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of ground cloves
1 tsp of ground ginger
0.5 tsp of cinnamon
1 cup of molasses
1 cup of hot water

How to prepare

Butter and flour a 9x9 cake pan.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Mix the flour, baking soda, and spices together. Set aside.
Mix the molasses and hot water. Stir and set aside.
Cream the shortening and sugar.
Add the egg and mix well.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and molasses mixture to the creamed mixture.
The resulting mixture will be rather thin.
Pour the mixture into the cake pan and bake for 45 minutes or more until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes before turning it out.
Serve with whipped cream flavored with pure vanilla and sweetened with sugar.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle with a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the shortening and sugar well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to mix the dry ingredients and molasses mixture thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.

- Allow the gingerbread to cool in the pan before turning it out to prevent it from breaking apart.

- Serve with whipped cream for a delicious and creamy topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kyrgyz Gingerbread with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious and festive dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening and sugar together is an important step in this recipe to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have molasses, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.

- You can use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Kyrgyz Gingerbread can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kyrgyz Gingerbread on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Kyrgyz Gingerbread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Kyrgyz Gingerbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kyrgyz Gingerbread contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Kyrgyz Gingerbread contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Kyrgyz Gingerbread contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Kyrgyz Gingerbread contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Kyrgyz Gingerbread is a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

Kyrgyz Gingerbread is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is a great source of iron and calcium, making it a nutritious treat to enjoy in moderation.

Summary

Kyrgyz Gingerbread is a delicious and flavorful dessert that is perfect for enjoying with family and friends. With warm spices and a rich molasses flavor, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah, who had recently returned from a trip to Kyrgyzstan. She told me all about the beautiful landscapes, the friendly people, and the delicious food she had tried while she was there. But it was the Kyrgyz gingerbread that caught my attention.

Sarah described it as a soft, chewy, and aromatic treat, made with honey, spices, and nuts. She said that it was a popular dessert in Kyrgyzstan, often served at special occasions and holidays. I knew I had to try making it myself.

I asked Sarah for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the warm, comforting scent of the gingerbread baking in the oven. I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed – flour, honey, sugar, butter, eggs, spices, and nuts. I followed the recipe carefully, mixing the dough and shaping it into small rounds. As I placed the gingerbread in the oven, I closed my eyes and imagined myself in a cozy kitchen in Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by the sounds and smells of a bustling market.

When the gingerbread was finally ready, I took a bite and was transported to a world of flavors and memories. The warm spices danced on my tongue, the honey added a subtle sweetness, and the nuts provided a satisfying crunch. It was everything Sarah had promised and more.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan and the amazing people I had met there. I shared the gingerbread with my family and friends, and they all raved about it, asking for the recipe so they could make it themselves.

Over the years, I have made the Kyrgyz gingerbread countless times, perfecting the recipe and adding my own special touches. I have shared it with neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers who have become friends after tasting a bite. Each time I make it, I am brought back to that cold winter day when I first saw the recipe and knew it would become a beloved tradition in my own kitchen.

As I look back on all the recipes I have collected over the years, I realize that each one tells a story – of a place, a person, a memory. The Kyrgyz gingerbread recipe is no different. It is a reminder of the kindness of my friend Sarah, the beauty of Kyrgyzstan, and the joy of sharing a delicious treat with the ones I love.

And so, as I continue to cook and bake and create in my kitchen, I will always hold onto the memories and stories that each recipe brings. The Kyrgyz gingerbread will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to each other and to the world around us.