Africa’s most amazing breads
FROM P07
It can be eaten for breakfast, but because of its coconut flavour, goes well with a light, creamy curry for lunch or dinner.
Coconut rolls
Here is another delicious coconut flavoured dish that could not be left out. While technically a pastry, coconut rolls are filled with a decadent filling of grated coconut, evaporated milk, vanilla essence, margarine, and nutmeg. The final product is a creamy and slightly custardy concoction. You may never buy another cinnamon roll again after trying these.
Durban naan bread
Book-ending our list is another bread usually associated with Indian food, naan, but South Africa has its own version that’s quite delicious. Very different from the flat Indian naan, Durban naan comes out round and fluffy, like a large roll or round bread loaf. There is a good amount of melted butter and yoghurt in the dough, making it exceptionally moist. Finally, it’s topped off with a hefty amount of crunchy poppy seeds. Use it to dunk into sauces, or slice it in half to make a large sandwich.
Kisra
Kisra is a traditional spongy flatbread from South Sudan, made with sorghum (millet) flour. It is often used for dipping into stews or as a spoon for scooping up other food. The bread can also be ripped into chunks and placed in soups or porridges, when it is traditionally accompanied by a vegetable and meat stew known as mullah.
Lahoh
Lahoh is a spongy flatbread popular throughout Somalia, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, among others. It is characterised by its circular shape with numerous holes on the surface. This pancake-like bread is made with plain flour, unlike its cousin injera which is usually made with teff flour.
Lahoh can be consumed with both sweet and savoury ingredients and dishes such as honey, sugar, stews, or soups.
Krachel
These traditional Moroccan bread rolls are prepared with a yeasted, brioche-like dough that is enriched with aniseed. They also incorporate toasted sesame seeds and are usually flavoured with orange blossom water. Before baking, krachel are brushed with egg wash, while the top is sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds or pearl sugar.
The buns can be enjoyed plain, but they are also commonly served with cheese and savoury or sweet spreads such as butter, jams, or chocolate spreads. They perfectly pair with coffee or tea.
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