RECIPE WORLD MASTER

Starting P: If you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine and you're looking for something new to try in your kitchen, then get ready to add a new recipe to your collection. This super easy and delicious saj bread recipe will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of the Middle East. And the best part? You won't even have to leave your kitchen to enjoy this Middle Eastern staple. H2: Taste of Home: Saj Bread First up, let's talk about what saj bread is. Saj bread, also known as markook, is a type of unleavened flatbread that is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made by stretching a thin round of dough and baking it on a saj, which is a convex griddle. The bread is then folded in half and served hot off the griddle. To make this delicious saj bread, you will need: - 3 cups of flour - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1 tablespoon of sugar - 1 teaspoon of instant yeast - 1 cup of warm water - 1/4 cup of olive oil - Extra flour for dusting Tools you will need: - Mixing bowl - Mixing spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Rolling pin - Saj griddle or a large non-stick pan Step 1: Mixing the Dough In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well, then add the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until the dough starts to come together. Step 2: Kneading the Dough Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Step 3: Dividing the Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a floured surface. Cover the balls with a damp cloth and let them rest for 10 minutes. Step 4: Rolling the Dough After the dough has rested, take one ball and roll it out into a thin disc. Sprinkle a little flour on the disc to prevent it from sticking. Repeat this step with the remaining balls of dough. Step 5: Cooking the Saj Bread Heat your saj griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Place one disc of dough on the griddle or pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and bubbles start to form on the surface. Using tongs or a spatula, flip the saj bread and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown as well. Repeat this step with the remaining discs of dough. Step 6: Serving the Saj Bread Once the saj bread is cooked, fold it in half and serve hot off the griddle. You can enjoy it plain or fill it with your favorite filling, such as hummus, falafel, or sautéed vegetables. Tips: - Don't skip the resting phase after dividing the dough. It allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll. - If you don't have a saj griddle, you can use a large non-stick pan instead. Just make sure it's heated over medium heat before cooking the saj bread. Note: - This saj bread recipe makes 8-10 pieces of bread, depending on the size of the dough balls. H2: Middle Eastern Breads If you're looking to expand your Middle Eastern bread repertoire, then you're in luck. There are so many types of Middle Eastern breads to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are a few worth trying: 1. Pita Bread Pita bread is a type of leavened bread that is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made by mixing flour, water, yeast, and salt into a dough, then letting the dough rise before baking it in a hot oven. Pita bread can be eaten plain or used as a pocket to stuff with your favorite filling. 2. Manakish Manakish is a type of flatbread that is popular in Lebanon and Syria. It is made by topping a flat disc of dough with za'atar, a blend of herbs and spices that typically includes thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. The dough is then baked in a hot oven until crispy and golden brown. 3. Barbari Bread Barbari bread is a type of Iranian flatbread that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It is made by mixing flour, yeast, water, salt, and sugar into a dough, then letting the dough rise before baking it in a hot oven. Barbari bread is typically topped with sesame seeds or nigella seeds. 4. Lavash Lavash is a type of thin, unleavened flatbread that is popular in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. It is made by mixing flour, water, and salt into a dough, then rolling it out into thin sheets. The sheets are then baked on a hot griddle or in a hot oven until crispy and golden brown. No matter which Middle Eastern bread you choose to make, you're sure to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. So, go ahead and give some of these delicious breads a try. Your taste buds will thank you.