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Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥270kcal
💪6gProtein
🌾50gCarbs
🥑5gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️100 gServing

* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Mastel

How to order / say it
Say it Mastellen — [MAH-ste-lun]
Order I'd like a mastel, please.
Locally Ik zou graag een mastel willen, alstublieft.
Say locally

A sweet circular bread spiced with cinnamon, typical of Ghent.

Why try it?

Mastellen are symbolic of Ghent's affection for unique bread varieties, often associated with festivals and local fairs. They capture the city's deep-rooted baking tradition while being both a cherished snack and breakfast item.

How it tastes

Mastellen are lightly sweetened, with a distinct cinnamon aroma. They have a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, perfect for spreading with butter.

Origin & History — first documented: 1200

This traditional spiced bread has its roots in the Middle Ages in Ghent. Initially baked for special occasions, especially around the Saint Hubert festival in late October, Mastellen have remained a beloved part of the local diet.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 400 g flour
  • 🥛 200 ml milk
  • 🍯 50 g sugar
  • 🥛 50 g butter
  • 🌾 7 g yeast
  • 🧂 1 tbsp cinnamon

Method

  1. 1 Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  2. 2 Heat milk and butter until warm, then mix into dry ingredients.
  3. 3 Knead dough until smooth, let rise for 1 hour.
  4. 4 Shape into circles, rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. 5 Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until golden.
All Europe recipes — Belgium — Ghent — Mastel
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