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Himbasha

The Quirky Foodster Team

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25 minutes
Prep
40 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 500 g (4 cups) All-purpose flour
  • 80 g (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) Sugar
  • 2 tsp Instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cardamom
  • 250 ml (1 cup) Warm milk
  • 60 g (1/4 cup) Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Black or white sesame seeds, for topping

Method

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom and salt.
  2. Make a well and add the warm milk, melted butter and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  5. Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf on a lined baking tray.
  6. Score a decorative pattern into the top with a sharp knife and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  7. Cover and let rise for a further 20 minutes, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Introduction: Himbasha is a lightly sweetened, spiced celebration bread baked for weddings, holidays and other significant gatherings across Eritrea, often decorated with a simple cross or geometric pattern scored into the top before baking.

Cultural Background: Himbasha is a lightly sweetened, spiced celebration bread baked for weddings, holidays and other significant gatherings across Eritrea, often decorated with a simple cross or geometric pattern scored into the top before baking.

Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days; freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm gently in a low oven, or toast slices lightly.

Tips: Scoring the pattern before the final rise lets the design open up attractively as the bread bakes. Brush the top with a little extra melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven for a soft, glossy crust.

Variations: Add raisins to the dough for a fruitier festive version. Shape into individual rolls for a wedding buffet. Vegetarian as written; a dairy-free version can substitute plant-based milk and butter.

Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal · Protein: 5 g · Carbs: 33 g · Fat: 7 g · Fiber: 1 g

FAQs:

Q: What occasions is himbasha baked for?
A: It’s most closely associated with weddings and major holidays, though simpler versions are baked for smaller family celebrations too.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes — after the first rise, the dough can be shaped, covered, and refrigerated overnight; bring to room temperature before the final rise and baking.

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