Hibist (ሕብስት) Steamed Bread Recipe:

Hibist, or steamed bread, is a delightful Ethiopian dish that represents comfort and tradition. This soft, fluffy bread is perfect for any meal and is especially enjoyed with stews and sauces. The gentle steaming process allows the bread to rise beautifully while retaining moisture, resulting in a tender texture that is hard to resist. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Ingredients for Hibist Bread:

• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black seeds
• 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions for Hibist Bread:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, until it becomes bubbly and foamy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your bread will rise properly.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Sift the 3 cups of all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. This helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps. Add the salt and black seeds to the flour and mix well. The black seeds add a wonderful flavor and aroma to the bread.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Once the yeast has bubbled, drizzle the oil into the dry mixture. Then, pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture. If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the dough comes together. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon to incorporate the ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
5. Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. Prepare for Steaming: While the dough is rising, prepare your steaming pot. Fill the bottom with water, ensuring it won’t touch the bread when it’s placed in the pot. You can use a steamer basket or a heatproof dish that fits inside your pot.
7. Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove excess air. Shape the dough into a round loaf or divide it into smaller portions, depending on your preference.
8. Steam the Bread: Place the shaped dough into the steamer basket or dish. Cover it with a clean cloth and steam over low heat for 45 to 50 minutes. Make sure to check the water level occasionally to prevent it from boiling dry.
9. Check for Doneness: After 45 minutes, poke the bread gently with your finger; it should spring back if it’s done. If using a toothpick, it should come out clean.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the Hibist from the pot and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite stews or enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of honey.

Final Thoughts

Hibist is a truly delightful addition to any meal. Its soft texture and subtle flavors make it a versatile bread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this steamed bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Check out more homemade bread baking options with my previous Difo dabo and Himbasha bread recipes. Happy baking!