RECIPE WORLD MASTER

Okay, folks. It's time for us to get our Middle Eastern bread game on point. I don't know about you, but I am ready to impress some people with my skills in the kitchen. And lucky for me (and you), I found some seriously drool-worthy inspiration. First up, we've got this beautiful creation from Fantastic Concept. Just look at that bread! It's like a work of art. And lucky for us, they've provided a recipe so we can attempt to recreate it in our own homes.

Middle Eastern Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet

How to make it:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, sugar, and salt. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is activated and the mixture is foamy.
2. Add in the flour gradually while stirring with a wooden spoon. Once the dough comes together, knead it on a floured surface until it's smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes.
3. Place the dough back in the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a disc shape.
6. Place the discs on a baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
8. Serve with your favorite Middle Eastern cuisine, or eat it plain because it's that good.

Tips:

• If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds or za'atar seasoning on the bread just before baking.
• If you don't have a warm place to let the dough rise, turn your oven to the lowest setting for a couple of minutes, then turn it off. Put the covered dough in there to rise.
• Don't over-knead the dough or it will become tough.

And there you have it! A delicious and impressive Middle Eastern bread that will knock the socks off your dinner guests.

Moving on, we've got some not-so-flat breads from Castles in the Air. I mean, just look at those lovely bubbles of air! I think I could stare at this bread all day.

Middle Eastern Not-So-Flat Breads

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water

Tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheet

How to make it:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast until well mixed.
2. Add in the warm water gradually while stirring with a wooden spoon. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.
3. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it lightly for a couple of minutes.
4. Place the dough back in the mixing bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
6. Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls. Use your hands to flatten each ball into a disc shape that's about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Place the discs on a baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes.
8. Bake for 10 minutes until the bread is puffed up and golden brown.
9. Serve with your favorite dips or use as a wrap for sandwich fillings.

Notes:

• If you want even more air bubbles, try using bread flour instead of all-purpose.
• You can bake the breads on a hot pizza stone for an even crispier crust.
• These are best eaten fresh and warm, so plan accordingly.

I don't know about you, but I am feeling pretty confident about my Middle Eastern bread-making abilities now. These two recipes seem approachable and delicious. So go forth and impress some people with your bread skills. And if all else fails, just order some from your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant. No shame in that game either.