Breads
Roht (Afghan Sweet Bread) (تور)
Ingredients
- - All-purpose flour — 500g (4 cups)
- - Sugar — 120g (1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp)
- - Instant yeast — 7g (2 1/4 tsp)
- - Warm milk — 150ml (2/3 cup)
- - Egg — 1 (1)
- - Butter, melted — 80g (1/3 cup)
- - Ground cardamom — 3g (1/2 tsp)
- - Ground nutmeg — 1g (1/4 tsp)
- - Sesame seeds, for topping — 10g (1 tbsp)
Method
- Baking Dietary Tags: Vegetarian Introduction: A dense, lightly sweet cardamom-scented bread traditionally baked for Eid, with a golden, slightly cracked crust. Cultural Background: Roht is strongly associated with Eid celebrations, when households bake large batches to share with family and neighbours as part of the festivities. Ingredients: - All-purpose flour — 500g (4 cups) - Sugar — 120g (1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp) - Instant yeast — 7g (2 1/4 tsp) - Warm milk — 150ml (2/3 cup) - Egg — 1 (1) - Butter, melted — 80g (1/3 cup) - Ground cardamom — 3g (1/2 tsp) - Ground nutmeg — 1g (1/4 tsp) - Sesame seeds, for topping — 10g (1 tbsp) Equipment: - Mixing bowl - Baking tray Method:
- Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of the sugar; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour, remaining sugar, cardamom and nutmeg in a large bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg and melted butter, kneading into a firm dough for 10 minutes.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Shape the dough into a round loaf or divide into smaller rounds; place on a baking tray.
- Score a pattern on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake for 25-30 minutes until deep golden and firm.
Introduction: A dense, lightly sweet cardamom-scented bread traditionally baked for Eid, with a golden, slightly cracked crust.
Cultural Background: Roht is strongly associated with Eid celebrations, when households bake large batches to share with family and neighbours as part of the festivities.
Tips: Scoring the top helps the bread expand evenly while baking. Test doneness by tapping the base — it should sound hollow.
Variations: Add ground fennel seed for a more aromatic version. Brush with a light sugar syrup after baking for a shinier, sweeter crust.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Naturally vegetarian; not easily adapted to vegan due to egg and butter.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with tea as part of an Eid spread.
Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm briefly in the oven; avoid microwaving as it toughens the crumb.
Nutrition: 310 kcal | Protein 7g | Carbs 48g | Fat 10g
FAQs:
Q: Is Roht very sweet? A: It’s only mildly sweet, more like a spiced tea bread than a dessert. Q: Can this be made into smaller individual loaves? A: Yes, divide the dough into 4-6 portions and reduce baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
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