Omani-style Fried Bread

Ingredients

In the Omani adaptation of Du pain frire, traditional French bread is infused with Omani spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron. The addition of these aromatic spices gives the bread a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from the original dish. Additionally, Omani-style Fried Bread is typically served with honey or powdered sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to complement the spices. We alse have the original recipe for Du pain frire, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Honey or powdered sugar, for serving Honey or powdered sugar, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 62g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a disc shape.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Fry the bread discs in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. 8.
   Serve the Omani-style Fried Bread warm, drizzled with honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To enhance the flavor and aroma of saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the fried bread with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves to add your own twist to the Omani-style Fried Bread.
• Serve the bread with a side of Omani coffee or tea for a complete Omani culinary experience.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the bread instead of frying it. Simply brush the bread discs with melted butter and bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Omani-style Fried Bread warm as a delightful breakfast or snack. Drizzle it with honey or sprinkle it with powdered sugar for added sweetness. Pair it with a cup of Omani coffee or tea for a truly authentic experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Omani-style Fried Bread on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few saffron threads. Serve it alongside a small bowl of honey for dipping or drizzling.