Name: Rooti Farmaajo (Honeycomb Cheese Bread) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Somali
Ingredients: 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) warm whole milk, plus more for egg wash; 2 teaspoons (6 grams) active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons cane sugar; 2 1/4 cups (298 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more if needed; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional); 2 large eggs, each cracked into a separate bowl and beaten; 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (62 grams) melted salted butter; 1 (5.4- or 6-ounce) package The Laughing Cow Original spreadable cheese wedges, chilled; 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk, plus more to taste; 1/4 cup (20 grams) unsweetened finely shredded coconut flakes

Ingredients

2/3 cup (160 milliliters) warm whole milk, plus more for egg wash

2 teaspoons (6 grams) active dry yeast

1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons cane sugar

2 1/4 cups (298 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more if needed

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

2 large eggs, each cracked into a separate bowl and beaten

4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (62 grams) melted salted butter

1 (5.4- or 6-ounce) package of The Laughing Cow Original spreadable cheese wedges, chilled

1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk, plus more to taste

1/4 cup (20 grams) unsweetened finely shredded coconut flakes

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of cane sugar. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy. In a larger bowl, mix the flour, salt, baking powder, cardamom (if using), and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture along with one beaten egg and 3 tablespoons melted butter. Knead the dough in the bowl until sticky and smooth, about 5 minutes, adding flour if too sticky. Grease the dough lightly with 1 teaspoon melted butter, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cut the chilled cheese wedges into 30 small pieces, about 1/2 teaspoon each. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll one half into a thick rope and cut it into 15 equal sections. Flatten each piece into a disk, place one piece of cheese in the center, pinch closed, and roll into a smooth ball. Place the balls gently in the pan, smooth side up, spacing evenly. Repeat with the second half of the dough. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the remaining beaten egg with a splash of whole milk to make an egg wash. Brush the dough balls gently with the egg wash and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the warm rolls. Sprinkle the coconut flakes on top. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with coconut milk and use a vegan butter alternative. You can also try a dairy-free cream cheese to maintain the creamy filling.

If you don’t have The Laughing Cow cheese, soft cream cheese or a mild ricotta can work well as a filling.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon along with cardamom enhances the warm spice notes and complements the sweetness nicely.

To get a more pronounced coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut flakes lightly before sprinkling on the finished bread.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast by reducing the amount slightly and mixing it directly with the dry ingredients. You may not need to proof it in warm milk first.

Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes it easier to remove the entire bread without disturbing the shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a well-greased round cake pan, but handle carefully when removing.