Defo Dabo is a traditional Ethiopian bread that holds deep cultural significance, particularly during festive occasions. It is made using Enset plant leaves, locally known as Koba Kitel, which infuse the bread with a distinctive flavor. This bread serves as a symbol of unity, bringing families and communities together in the joy of communal meals.
The process of making Defo Dabo involves a shared effort, often involving multiple generations, reinforcing the importance of tradition and connection. From the earthy aroma to the unique taste, this bread represents the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia and the traditions that bind its people together.
Ingredients
– 3 ¼ cups wheat flour
– 12 oz warm water
– ½ a packet of instant yeast
– ½ lb Enset leaves
– 3 tbsp sugar
_ ½ tbsp salt
– ½ tbsp coriander powder
– ½ tbsp cumin
– ½ tbsp cardamom
– 2 tbsp olive oil
METHOD
Start by adding the instant yeast, sugar, and
salt into a mid-sized bowl. Then pour the 12 oz.
water into the mix and stir it thoroughly.
Cover the mixture and let it sit for about 20 min.
to get the yeast activated and start to bubble.
Mix the coriander powder, cumin, and
cardamom with oil and pour in the flour. Then use
your hands to mix and knead them until the dough
is soft, moist, and elastic. Add some more water if
necessary.
Set the dough aside and let it sit for some 60
minutes – covered with a clean cloth or plastic. By
the end, the dough should rise to about double its
original size.
Place the dough in a large-sized baking pan
that has been lined with some Enset leaves and
aluminum foil both on the sides and the base.
Then place some more Enset leaves on top of the
dough.
Let the dough sit for about 20 minutes while it’s
still covered in Enset leaves, then transfer it to an
oven that has been preheated to 350°.
Bake the dough until the dough is cooked
thoroughly for about 50 – 60 minutes, and
remove it from the oven. Peel off the Enset leaves
and slice pieces to serve.
Source: https://theethiopianfood.com/defo-daborecipe
