Sure, let’s dive into the delicious world of making Taftoon, a delightful Persian wholemeal flatbread that’s perfect for any occasion! ๐ฅ๐พ
Taftoon – Persian Wholemeal Flat Bread Recipe
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 6 rounds
- Cuisine: Persian
- Category: Yeast Breads
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups water (divided)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions:
-
Sift the Flours: Begin by sifting the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour into a large mixing bowl. This step helps aerate the flour and removes any lumps, ensuring a smooth dough.
-
-
Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
-
Prepare the Dough: Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of water and salt to the yeast mixture. Then, pour this mixture into the center of the sifted flour in the mixing bowl.
-
Kneading Time: Now comes the fun part! Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour using your hands. Knead the dough for 20-30 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use the dough hook attachment on an electric mixer for this step.
-
Adjust Consistency: While kneading, gradually add more water from the remaining 3/4 cup as needed. The dough should be soft and pliable but not overly sticky. As you knead, the dough will absorb moisture and become more workable.
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Also, place a griddle on the center shelf of the oven to preheat for 10-15 minutes. Lightly oil the griddle using a small cloth dipped in oil once it’s hot.
-
Shape the Dough: Turn the kneaded dough out onto an oiled board. There’s no need to let it proof; it’s ready to go! Oil your hands and divide the dough into 6 equal parts, rolling each piece into a smooth ball.
-
Roll Out the Dough: Using an oiled rolling pin, roll out each ball of dough as thinly as possible. Then, prick the surface all over with a fork or pinwheel in 3-4 vertical lines to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
-
Stretch and Transfer: Take each round of dough and gently stretch it across the backs of your hands. Then, transfer the stretched dough onto the smooth side of a cushion or pad.
-
Bake the Bread: Pull out the oven rack where the preheated griddle is placed. Carefully turn the cushion over and press down to transfer the dough onto the hot griddle. Close the oven door and let the bread bake for about 1 minute.
-
Prevent Puffing: After the initial minute of baking, pat down the dough lightly to prevent it from puffing up too much. This step ensures that the bread remains flat and evenly cooked.
-
Final Bake: Continue baking the bread until the surface becomes bubbly, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Then, flip the bread over and bake for an additional 2 minutes until both sides are golden brown and cooked through.
-
Wrap and Rest: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a clean towel to keep it warm and soft. Allow the oven temperature to reheat before baking another batch of bread.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Taftoon is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, served alongside your favorite dips, spreads, or as a side to hearty stews and dishes. Share the warm, homemade goodness with family and friends!
-
Note: Avoid letting the rolled dough rest before baking; prepare each round just before putting it into the oven for the best results.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 283.7
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 586.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 59.6g
- Fiber: 7.3g
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Protein: 10.6g
This homemade Taftoon bread recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a wholesome and nutritious choice for any meal. Enjoy the process of crafting this traditional Persian flatbread, and savor the satisfaction of baking your own bread from scratch! ๐โจ
