Mkatra Foutra

Name: Mkatra Foutra
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 all-purpose flour; 2 1/4 active dry yeast; 2 granulated sugar; 1 fine salt; 1 ground cardamom; 1 warm coconut milk; 1/2 warm water, plus more as needed; 2 neutral cooking oil, plus more for the pan; 3 sesame seeds

AuthorDan MurungaCategoryBreakfast, Comoros, Side Dish, VegetarianDifficultyBeginner

Comorian coconut flatbread scented with cardamom and finished with toasted sesame.

Comorian Mkatra Foutra (Coconut Flatbread)

Yields6 ServingsUnitsDefault

Prep Time20 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time1 hr 45 mins

The 105-minute total includes 60 minutes of rising time. Keep the dough soft and slightly tacky for a tender bread. Cook over moderate heat so the center sets before the sesame crust becomes too dark.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp fine salt

1 tsp ground cardamom

1 cup warm coconut milk

½ cup warm water, plus more as needed

2 tbsp neutral cooking oil, plus more for the pan

3 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and cardamom until evenly combined.

Add the warm coconut milk, warm water, and oil. Mix until everything comes together into a soft, slightly tacky dough.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add only a little flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave in a warm place for about 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a round about ½ inch thick. Gently press sesame seeds onto one side.

Heat a lightly oiled heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Place each bread sesame-side down and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden.

Turn the bread and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Keep finished breads wrapped in a clean towel to stay soft and warm.

Enjoy the bread warm with tea, eggs, grilled fish, or your favorite savory stew.