Ambasha is a traditional Ethiopian celebration bread that is prepared for holidays, weddings and special family gatherings. It is slightly sweet and lightly spiced, often flavored with cardamom and sometimes decorated with simple patterns on top before baking. While it is technically a bread, it is commonly served during festive meals and enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee, which makes it the closest traditional Ethiopian option to a dessert. This home version keeps the authentic flavor and simple preparation.
😌 Difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Preparation time: 25 minutes
🔥 Cooking time: 35 minutes
⏳ Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
👥 Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Typical serving style
- Cut into wedges
- Served with Ethiopian coffee
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cardamom and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and oil to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Shape the dough into a round flat loaf about 3-4 cm thick.
- Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Use a knife to gently score decorative lines on top in a simple pattern.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
Do not cut too deep when scoring the top. Light surface cuts create the traditional look without flattening the bread.