Apr 26, 20202 min read

Kimbula banis

Updated: Apr 30, 2020

Kimbula banis is a very popular type of bread in Sri Lanka. In Sinhala (Sri-Lankan Language) Kimbula means Crocodile. As its a long, slim crispy bun with sugar on it. Its a very popular bun among the kids and even the adults.

Ingredients for the banis

250g flour
1 ¼ tsp yeast
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp coconut / vegetable oil/ butter
1 tbsp sugar for the yeast
75g of sugar
Warm milk as needed

For brushing the top of the buns.

1 beaten egg and sugar syrup.

For the sugar syrup

2 tbsp of sugar

3 tbsp of water

To make the syrup,

In a small pot add the sugar and cold water and on a medium heat, let the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. When it boils once, take it off the heat. It should be one-thread consistency. Remember – the longer you boil it, the thicker the syrup will be when cooled.

Method

In a large bowl add all dry ingredients mix to combine well, then add in oil, warm milk, yeast mixture and knead to a very soft dough. Knead gently for as long as possible for around 10-15 minutes. Put it back into the bowl, cover and set-aside to rise in a warm place.

Once risen, divide into balls. (the size depends on your preference, on how big or small you want the bread) Take a large tray put a baking sheet on and set aside.

Take one ball at a time and roll thinly it, into a triangular shape. Then starting at the thicker bottom, start rolling like a croissant till you are happy with the shape. Roll it tightly so that it won't open up when baking and it stays on the desired shape until the end.

Place it on the baking tray. First brush with sugar syrup. Secondly brush it with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Cover it and keep it to rise for around 35-50 min in a warm place.

(do not skip this step), meanwhile preheat the oven to 180C. Once the buns risen well bake them for 10-15 min. Take it out when its golden. Brush some more sugar syrup on and sprinkle more suger if you like it very sweet.