Arabic bread
Arabic Bread with Zaatar: A Flavorful Delight
Our culinary journey begins now! Arabic bread with zaatar is a simple yet flavorful and traditional recipe. This soft, flatbread is a perfect accompaniment for any meal or can be enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. I will guide you step by step on how to achieve delicious Arabic bread, and at the end, I will teach you how to prepare zaatar, a spice blend that will transform this dish into a true explosion of flavors.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Arabic bread:
- 150 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- ~250 g whole wheat flour (you can also use white flour or a combination with 2-3 tablespoons of bran)
For zaatar:
- 2 tablespoons zaatar (spice blend)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 20 g sesame seeds
Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Zaatar
Start by toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan, without oil, until golden. This process will enhance the flavor of the seeds and add a delicious taste to your blend. Then, place all the spices (oregano, marjoram, thyme, sweet paprika, salt, and lemon zest) in a coffee grinder and grind them until they become a fine powder. Add the toasted sesame seeds and pulse briefly, just enough to break them. Mix everything in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with the sugar and dissolve them in warm water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it starts to bubble, indicating that the yeast is active. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and the flour from the edges. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients, bringing the flour from the edges toward the center.
Step 3: Kneading
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. You can also use a bread machine to knead. Once you have a smooth dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Rolling and Baking
After the dough has risen, grease a baking tray with olive oil. Roll out the dough with your hands, forming a not-too-thin sheet. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for 20 minutes. During this time, prepare the zaatar mixture with olive oil, mixing them well. Once the dough has risen, spread the zaatar paste over it. Use your fingers to gently press into the dough, creating small indentations that will hold the flavor of the spice mix.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (medium heat) and bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until it turns golden and easily pulls away from the edges of the tray. After baking, let the bread cool on a rack.
Serving Suggestions
This Arabic bread with zaatar is perfect served warm, alongside a fresh vegetable salad or as part of a platter of appetizers. You can also add feta cheese or olives for an even richer taste experience. Additionally, it is delicious with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a squeeze of freshly squeezed lemon.
Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other herbs and spices to the zaatar, such as basil or parsley. You can also try replacing the whole wheat flour with a combination of white flour and bran for a different taste and texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is an excellent source of fiber due to the whole wheat flour, which is beneficial for digestion. Olive oil provides healthy fats, while zaatar offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can replace dry yeast with fresh yeast, using about 3-4 grams.
2. How can I store the bread?
The bread is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can freeze portions to have them on hand anytime.
3. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based.
Conclusion
Arabic bread with zaatar is a simple recipe but has a remarkable impact on the taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this bread will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with loved ones and enjoy delicious moments!
Ingredients: 150 ml water 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon dry yeast ~250 g whole wheat flour Additionally: 2 tablespoons za'atar 2 tablespoons olive oil For za'atar: 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried marjoram 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest 20 g sesame seeds
