Middle Eastern Thyme Breads Recipes

ZA'ATAR SEASONING

Steps:

• Measure out and add all herbs into a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
• Working in batches, if needed, grind herbs until desired, uniform consistency is reached.
• Transfer herb mixture to a jar and add sesame seeds and sea salt.
• Cap with a lid and shake until mixed well.

MIDDLE EASTERN THYME BREADS

Steps:

• For topping, dry roast sesame seeds in a small frying pan for 3 minutes until golden.
• Cool and grind seeds in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
• Add thyme leaves, sumac and salt and combine.
• Combine honey and water in a large bowl.
• Sprinkle with the yeast and stand in a warm place for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Stir in plain flour, salt, oil and 1 cup of the wholemeal flour until combined, then add remaining flour and knead until a stiff dough forms.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 15 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a large lightly oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat in oil.
• Cover and stand in a warm spot for 2 hours.
• Dough will double in volumne.
• Knock dough down, tip onto lightly floured surface and knead lightly til smooth.
• Divide into 16 portions.
• Roll each portion into a 5cm x 12 cm oval.
• Place them on a baking paper lined tray covered with a tea towel as you work.
• Heat a heavy based frypan over medium heat.
• Brush or spray pan lightly with oil.
• Cook breads, in batches, for 1 minute each side, then place on oven trays.
• Brush breads with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sesame-herb topping.
• Bake in a 200 degree C oven for 5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
• Serve warm with Lebanese foods.

LEBANESE THYME BREAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together the yeast sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of the warm water and set aside.
• Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and add in the salt. Make a well in the centre of the flour and pour in the yeast mixture and the remaining warm water.
• Knead together until the mixture forms a stiff dough.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes, adding in a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough to soften it.
• Wash and dry the mixing bowl and rub with a little of the olive oil. Return the dough to the ball and roll it around the bowl until well oiled. Cover with a clean cloth and set aside in a warm place to rise for 2 hours.
• Knead the dough again, then divide it into 10 portions.
• Roll each dough portion between your palms until smooth and round.
• Using a rolling pin, roll out each portion into a circle. Cover the dough circles and set aside for 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F Place 2 large baking sheets in the oven to heat up.
• Brush the tops of each dough circle with a little of the olive oil. Mix the remaining olive oil with the thyme, marjoram and sesame seeds and spread the mixture evenly over the surface of each dough circle.
• Slide the dough circles onto the hot baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
• Remove and cool. Serve.