Middle Eastern Bread: A Delicious and Flavorful Addition to Any Meal If you're looking for a way to add some excitement and flavor to your meals, why not try some Middle Eastern breads? With their unique flavors and textures, these breads are sure to impress. We've compiled a list of three different styles of Middle Eastern breads for you to try at home. Each recipe features a different combination of flavors and ingredients, so there's something for everyone. So let's dive in and discover the delicious world of Middle Eastern breads! Recipe #1: Za'atar Bread Za'atar is a spice blend that is commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. It's made from dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. When combined with bread, it creates a savory and slightly tangy flavor that is sure to impress. Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup warm water - 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend Tools: - Mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Baking sheet - Parchment paper How to make it: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. 2. Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. 4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour. 5. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 6. Roll out the dough into a large circle. Sprinkle the za'atar spice blend on top. 7. Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown. 8. Serve hot and enjoy! Tips: - If you don't have za'atar spice blend, you can make your own by combining dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. - This bread is best served fresh and warm, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Recipe #2: Manakish Bread Manakish bread is a popular Lebanese flatbread that is topped with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, herbs, or meat. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of za'atar and olive oil to create a delicious and flavorful topping. Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup warm water - 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend - 2 tablespoons olive oil Tools: - Mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Baking sheet - Parchment paper How to make it: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. 2. Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. 4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour. 5. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 6. Roll out the dough into a large circle. Brush the olive oil on top. 7. Sprinkle the za'atar spice blend on top. 8. Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown. 9. Serve hot and enjoy! Tips: - This bread is best served fresh and hot, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Experiment with different toppings, such as cheese, herbs, or meat. Recipe #3: Khobez Bread Khobez bread is a Middle Eastern flatbread that is commonly used in wraps or sandwiches. It has a soft and chewy texture that is perfect for holding fillings and flavors. Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup warm water Tools: - Mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Baking sheet - Parchment paper How to make it: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. 2. Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. 3. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. 4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour. 5. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 6. Roll out the dough into 8-10 small circles. 7. Bake the bread for 10-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown. 8. Serve hot and enjoy! Tips: - This bread is best served fresh and hot, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Use this bread to make delicious wraps or sandwiches filled with your favorite flavors and ingredients. Conclusion There you have it, three delicious and easy-to-make Middle Eastern bread recipes. Whether you're in the mood for a savory za'atar bread, a flavorful manakish bread, or a soft and chewy khobez bread, there's something for everyone. So why not add some excitement to your meals and try making these delicious breads at home? Your taste buds will thank you!

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