Lebanese Ka'ak with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 50g (1/4 cup) sesame seeds 50g (1/4 cup) sesame seeds
• 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cumin

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, olive oil, dried thyme, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. 4.
   Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a ring shape, similar to a bagel.
7. 7.
   Place the sesame seeds on a plate. Dip each ring of dough into the sesame seeds, making sure they are well coated.
8. 8.
   Place the sesame-coated dough rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the Ka'ak turns golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. This will enhance their flavor and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced flavor, you can add a pinch of sumac to the dough mixture.
• Serve the Ka'ak warm for the best taste and texture.
• You can customize the herbs and spices according to your preference.

Serving advice

Serve the Ka'ak as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dips such as hummus, baba ganoush, or labneh.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Ka'ak on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for an appealing presentation.