Transport your kitchen to East Africa with this aromatic Ethiopian Dabo—a golden, gently spiced yeast bread subtly sweetened with honey. Its tender crumb and warm notes of cardamom and ginger make it perfect for breakfast or as a show-stopping side at dinner. This recipe is approachable for home bakers and brings a taste of Ethiopian celebration bread to your table.
Top Tip
For extra flavor and authenticity, bake the bread in a round Dutch oven or cast iron pot for a beautiful crust and shape.
Ingredients
For the Dabo Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Shaping and Finish
- 1 tablespoon oil (for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the oil, salt, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Add a little flour if sticky, but avoid adding too much.)
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough. Shape into a round loaf and place in a lightly greased 9-inch round cake pan or Dutch oven. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dust the top of the loaf with a little flour. Using a sharp knife, gently score a cross or decorative pattern on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 6g
- Net Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips
- Dabo is delicious served with soft butter, honey, or as a side to spicy stews.
- Adjust the spices to your taste—try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this bread without honey?
Yes! Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version, or simply use sugar if preferred.
Cooking for one?
I wrote a short, practical guide on building simple, low-waste meals for one person — without batch cooking or stress.
How do I store leftover Dabo?
Wrap the cooled bread tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier loaf, though the bread will be denser.
What does Dabo traditionally accompany?
Dabo is often enjoyed with tea for breakfast or as a festive bread alongside Ethiopian stews and salads.