Hembesha (Eritrean Bread)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp ground fenugreek seed
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander seed
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom seed
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp oil or butter
• 3 3/4 cup flour
• Dash of white pepper, cayenne, ground ginger (optional)

Directions:

1. Dissolve the yeast in the water and let stand until frothy. Add the eggs and spices.
2. Gradually add the flour and knead for 10 minutes on a well-floured surface.
3. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for an hour or two. Punch down and knead again, shaping the dough into a round, flat shape about 3/4 of an inch thick. Put it in an oiled frying pan and let rise again until roughly doubled in size.
4. Use a fork or knife to make lines in the top of the bread.
5. Put the pan over a medium to low flame and cover it. It will take about 10 minutes to bake on this side. Once the bottom of the bread is a nice golden color flip it over and let it bake on the other side for about five minutes.
6. Remove from the pan and spread a little butter over the top. Slice it up in wedges.