Holidays & Special Occasions
Mkatra wa Harusi
Ingredients
- - plain flour: 500 g (4 cups)
- - granulated sugar: 120 g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- - butter, softened: 100 g (scant 1/2 cup)
- - eggs: 3 large (3 large)
- - coconut milk, warm: 150 ml (2/3 cup)
- - instant yeast: 2 tsp (2 tsp)
- - ground cardamom: 1 tsp (1 tsp)
- - salt: 1/2 tsp (1/2 tsp)
- - sesame seeds, for topping: 2 tbsp (2 tbsp)
Method
- Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom and salt in a large bowl.
- Beat 2 of the eggs with the warm coconut milk, then work into the dry ingredients along with the softened butter to form a soft dough.
- Knead for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a large round or braided loaf on a lined baking tray.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes, until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the loaf, then scatter with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until deep golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Introduction: A rich, spiced wedding bread enriched with eggs, sugar and cardamom, mkatra wa harusi is baked specifically for weddings and major family celebrations, standing well apart from the plainer everyday flatbreads.
Cultural Background: A rich, spiced wedding bread enriched with eggs, sugar and cardamom, mkatra wa harusi is baked specifically for weddings and major family celebrations, standing well apart from the plainer everyday flatbreads.
Tips: Two full rises give this festive bread its soft, celebratory crumb — don't rush either one. Tapping the base of the loaf is the most reliable way to check it's fully baked through.
Variations: Braid the dough into three strands before the final rise for an especially festive presentation. Brush with a light honey glaze straight out of the oven for extra shine and sweetness. Already vegetarian as written.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in a 150C (300F) oven for 5 minutes, or briefly toast, to refresh before serving. Nutrition (per serving, approximate) Calories: 290 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Fat: 10 g
FAQs
Q: Can this be made ahead of a wedding?
A: Yes, bake it the morning of, or the day before and warm gently before serving.
Q: Why didn't my loaf rise properly?
A: This is usually down to yeast that's past its best, or a rising spot that wasn't warm enough — aim for around 25-27C (77-80F).