Flat Bread (Khoubiz)
Overview:
Flat bread, known as Khoubiz in many Middle Eastern countries, is a staple in Palestinian, Lebanese, and other Southwest Asian cuisines. This recipe brings the authentic taste of homemade flat bread to your kitchen, offering a healthier and more flavorful alternative to store-bought options. 🥖✨
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 loaves
- Calories: 375.9 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 6 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of flour
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Dough: Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, and warm it in the oven on low heat. Meanwhile, dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Once dissolved, add the remaining water and stir in the salt and sugar. |
| 2 | Activate the Yeast: Remove about 2 cups of flour from the bowl and set it aside. Pour the yeast mixture into the center of the flour and stir to create a thick liquid. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it sit in a warm place until frothy. |
| 3 | Knead the Dough: Stir in the rest of the flour, adding oil gradually. Beat the mixture until smooth, either by hand for 10 minutes or with an electric mixer using the dough hook attachment for 5 minutes. |
| 4 | Shape and Rise: Sprinkle some of the reserved flour onto a board, then turn out the dough and knead it for 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl, coating it with oil. Cover and let it rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. |
| 5 | Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). |
| 6 | Divide and Roll: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured board. Knead it for a minute, then divide it into 8 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. Roll each ball into a 25 cm (10 in) round and place it on a lightly floured cloth. Cover with another cloth and let it sit for about 20 minutes. |
| 7 | Prepare the Baking Surface: Heat a large baking sheet or flat griddle on the lowest shelf of an electric oven, or select the section with the most even heat in a gas oven. |
| 8 | Bake the Bread: Place a round of dough on a lightly floured baking sheet or flat surface with one flat edge. Shake to ensure it will slide off easily. Rub the heated baking sheet or griddle with a paper towel dipped in oil, then slide the dough onto it. Bake in the hot oven for 4-5 minutes until it puffs like a balloon. If desired, turn the bread quickly for browning on top and leave it for an additional minute. |
| 9 | Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a cloth to keep it warm and soft. Repeat with the remaining loaves. If desired, you can use an electric fry pan as an alternative cooking method. |
Tips:
- For best results, ensure the yeast is fresh and active.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth, satiny, and slightly wrinkled in texture for optimal texture.
- Adjust the baking time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness and browning.
- Store any leftover flat bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Conclusion:
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste and texture of homemade flat bread, perfect for serving alongside your favorite Middle Eastern dishes or enjoying on its own. Embrace the tradition of bread-making and savor the delicious results! 🍞🌟
