| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 55 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 27g | 15g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 48g | 2g | 7g | 0.65g |
If you’ve had the pleasure of joining me on this culinary journey thus far, you’ll know that my love for recipes goes beyond the Italian cuisine steeped in my heritage. Today, I’m excited to introduce Ensete Bread, a dish inspired by the Ethiopian cuisine, a striking departure from the comforting meatballs and spaghetti of my Nonna’s kitchen. From hikes across the Appalachian Trail, to walks down the bustling markets in New Jersey, my sense of culinary adventure knows no bounds.
A Delightful Mix of Familiar and Exotic
What makes me love Ensete Bread, and what I believe will endear it to you as well, is how it combines the familiar with the unexpected. Ground Ensete – the heart of this recipe, is a cousin to the banana. But this ‘false banana,’ as it’s sometimes called, brings a unique flavor and texture that’s satisfyingly bread-like, yet slightly sweet and luscious.
The inclusion of the other ingredients we know and love, like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and a dash of vanilla and cinnamon creates a balance, producing something extraordinary from seeming ordinary. If you’re a fan of good old banana bread, this will feel like a fascinating spin on that classic; And if you’re an adventurous foodie, this will definitely hit the spot.
A Nutrient-rich Addition to Your Table
Of course, as an added benefit, Ensete Bread brings with it a rich trove of nutrients. Ground Ensete, is a great source of fiber and resistant starch that aids digestion. (Healthline) The addition of dried fruits and nuts gives your body a variety of vitamins and minerals crucial to health. This makes Ensete Bread not only an exceptionally delicious treat but also a nutritious contribution to any meal.
Riding on its versatility, Ensete Bread can either be served as a tasty breakfast item given its sweetness, or as a perfect companion to a hearty soup reminiscent of a bread bowl combo. Also, its unique banana undertones recommend it for a coffee pairing or as a base for a scrumptious bread pudding.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just getting started in the kitchen, Ensete Bread is a recipe worth trying. It’s an homage to cultural diversity, a celebration of unusual ingredients, and every bite takes you on a journey from the heart of Italy to the bustling markets of Ethiopia. Buon appetito!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of ground Ensete (Ethiopian Banana)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 cup of chopped mixed dried fruits and nuts (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large loaf pan with rather butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step Four
Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step Five
Stir in the ground Ensete and vegetable oil into the butter, sugar, and eggs mixture until well combined.
Step Six
Slowly add in the dry ingredients mixture alternating with milk to your wet ingredients. Ensure you begin and end with the dry mixture. Stir well after each addition.
Step Seven
Pour your combined mixture into the previously greased loaf pan. If you’re using, sprinkle the top of the batter with the chopped mixed dried fruits and nuts.
Step Eight
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step Nine
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve your Ensete bread as desired.
