| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 10g | 1.5g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 6g | 0.2g |
About Gluten-Free Himbasha
Meet the Gluten-Free Himbasha, a delectable spin on a traditional Ethiopian bread that invites even gluten-conscious folks into the world of baking. With its fragrant mix of ground cardamom and coriander, it’s a pleasant departure from your usual white or wheat loaf, promising an intriguing burst of flavors that’s sure to liven up any meal. This vividly flavored bread carries the warmth of the Ethiopian culture, noting that bread isn’t merely a food, but it’s a medium of love, respect, and communal participation.
A Bread that Bonds
Originally served during celebrations, Himbasha holds a special place in the hearts of Ethiopians. Our Gluten-Free Himbasha not only maintains this cultural significance but also proves that dietary restrictions needn’t hamper taste or enjoyability. A well-prepared Himbasha has a lovely soft interior encased by a lightly crusted exterior, slightly sweet, and delightfully aromatic. The use of extra virgin olive oil connotes a subtle fruitiness to the bread while the honey gives it a hint of sweetness that complements the hearty spices.
Crafting the Himbasha
Preparing Gluten-Free Himbasha might seem intimidating at first, especially for baking newbies. Still, it’s quite a straightforward process. The trick lies in letting the active dry yeast mix with warm water and a touch of sugar. This stage, often referred to as ‘proofing the yeast,’ is crucial to ensure that the bread rises well during baking. Don’t rush this step; just sit back, relax, and let the yeast do its work. Your patience will be rewarded with a beautifully risen, soft, and aromatic loaf of bread.
Pairing and Enjoyment
While the Gluten-Free Himbasha is a delight on its own, it’s versatility shines when paired with the right dishes. Its fragrant profile makes it an excellent companion for stews, soups, and curries, absorbing the flavors while adding its own unique touch. Try pairing it with savory Ethiopian dishes like Doro Wat, a fragrant chicken stew, or Kitfo, a spiced minced meat meal.
Or, for a plant-forward meal, consider the popular Ethiopian dish, Gomen, a succulent collard green stew. It would also pair well with Mediterranean dishes like Greek salad, moussaka, or pasta with garlic and oil. The Gluten-Free Himbasha is not only a dish, but it’s also an experience, one that transcends cultural boundaries and caters to diverse dietary needs. Why not give it a try today? Happy baking!
For more inspiration on what to pair with the Himbasha, check out this comprehensive guide on Ethiopian Cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups Gluten-Free Flour Blend
- 1 1/2 cups Warm Water
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
Method
Step One
To begin with, take a small bowl and dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy – this is a sign that the yeast is activated.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, salt, ground cardamom and ground coriander. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
Step Three
Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the large mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until it all comes together to form a sticky dough. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a bit more warm water.
Step Four
Turn out the dough onto a surface dusted with a sprinkling of your gluten-free flour blend. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it appears smooth and elastic. Apply some olive oil around the inside of a clean bowl, put your dough in it, cover with a clean, damp tea towel and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step Five
Once the dough has risen, gently press it down to deflate and turn it out onto your lightly floured surface again. Knead a couple of times and shape the dough into a round loaf.
Step Six
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and line your baking tray with parchment paper.
Step Seven
Place the dough on your prepared baking tray and, using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf in a star or cross pattern. Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the loaf, then drizzle with honey.
Step Eight
Bake the Himbasha for about 30-35 minutes until it becomes golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your gluten-free Himbasha!
