Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

EthiopianAuthentic Cuisine

Sesame Twists

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Sesame Twists

Sesame Twists are a staple in the everyday cooking of Addis Ababa, where their inviting aroma is a familiar call to gather at the table. This dish captures the essence of home cooking, offering a warm, comforting presence in the heart of bustling city life. The twists are simple yet satisfying, reflecting the Ethiopian preference for straightforward, flavorful dishes that are as generous as the cooks who prepare them.

Biting into a Sesame Twist reveals a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The exterior is crisp, while the inside remains tender, each twist carrying a hint of sweetness balanced by a subtle spice. The sesame seeds lend a nutty crunch, making these twists a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or as a standalone snack to be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Ingredients

  • 2 cupsall-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cupsugar
  • 1/4 cupoil or butter
  • 1/2 cupwater
  • 1 tspspice — cardamom or cinnamon

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon of your chosen spice. Mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the spice is evenly distributed throughout the flour and sugar.
  2. Gradually add 1/4 cup of oil or melted butter to the dry mixture, using your hands or a wooden spoon to incorporate it. The mixture should begin to resemble coarse crumbs, with the fat evenly coating the flour.
  3. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of water while mixing continuously. Knead the mixture by hand until it forms a smooth, elastic dough. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a few drops of water. Once smooth, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
  4. After resting, divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a thin rope about 6 inches long. Twist each rope into a spiral shape, pressing the ends to seal them so they hold their shape during cooking.
  5. Preheat a mitad or a large skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, add a thin layer of oil to coat the bottom. Place the twists onto the hot surface, ensuring they are not overcrowded, which allows for even cooking.
  6. Cook the twists until they are golden brown on one side, then flip them to cook the other side. They should be crisp and have a deep golden color, with a fragrant aroma that signals they are done. If using an oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake the twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet until golden, about 15-20 minutes.
  7. Once cooked, transfer the Sesame Twists to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve them warm, allowing the flavors to be at their most aromatic and inviting.
Cover of Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Ethiopian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Buy the cookbook on Amazon Explore Ethiopian cuisine