Ethiopian Difo Dabo Recipe: A Holiday Bread for the Family

Ethiopian bread is a beautiful blend of flavors and traditions, and Ethiopian Difo Dabo is no exception. This large festive bread is often made for holidays, like other beloved Ethiopian breads such as Injera, Himbasha, Mulmul Dabo, Hibist, Kita and kocho. I’ve created a smaller version perfect for family gatherings using my round cake pan. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers that authentic taste you’re looking for.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black seeds
• 1 teaspoon white seeds
• 1 teaspoon dimblal also known as nigella seeds
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup lukewarm water plus an additional cup for mixing

Instructions

Step 1 Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing 1 cup of lukewarm water with the sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes bubbly and foamy.

Step 2 Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the salt, black seeds, white seeds, and dimblal. This blend of spices will add a wonderful flavor to your Ethiopian Difo Dabo.

Step 3 Combine and Knead

Once the yeast mixture has risen, add it to the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix well. Gradually add another cup of water while mixing until you form a dough. Unlike other breads, this dough doesn’t require much kneading. Just mix until everything is combined.

Step 4 Let It Rise

Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for about an hour. This allows it to rise and become airy.

Step 5 Prepare the Pan

While the dough is rising, prepare your baking pan. The secret to getting that unique aroma in Difo Dabo is using banana leaves. They not only give a wonderful scent but also keep the bread moist. Line your cake pan with the leaves.

Step 6 Shape and Second Rise

After the dough has risen, gently knead it back together and transfer it to the prepared cake pan. Cover it and let it rise again outside for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the temperature in your kitchen.

Step 7 Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 365 degrees Fahrenheit while the dough is rising.

Step 8 Bake

Once the dough has risen again, place it in the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The Difo Dabo will turn a lovely light golden brown and will have a delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 9 Check for Doneness

To check if your Difo Dabo is ready, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your bread is done. You should expect a soft and fluffy texture with a beautiful golden crust.

Enjoy Your Ethiopian Difo Dabo

Serve your Ethiopian Difo Dabo warm. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, just like Injera , Kita, Himbasha, Mulmul Dabo, Hibist and Kocho. The unique combination of spices and the moist texture will surely make your taste buds dance. Enjoy it plain or pair it with your favorite Ethiopian dishes.