Kurdish-style Semmel

Ingredients

The original Austrian Kaisersemmel is typically made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water. However, the Kurdish-style Semmel incorporates traditional Kurdish spices such as cumin and sumac to infuse the rolls with a distinct flavor. Additionally, the cooking technique and presentation may differ, as the Kurdish-style Semmel may be baked on a stone or clay surface for a slightly crispy exterior. We alse have the original recipe for Kaisersemmel, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sumac 1 tsp sumac
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• Olive oil, for brushing Olive oil, for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 0g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, cumin, and sumac.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into 8 equal portions.
7. 7.
   Shape each portion into a round roll and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Brush the rolls with olive oil and let them rest for another 15 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• All-purpose flour — Use a good quality flour for the best results.
• Instant yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and within its expiration date for optimal rising.
• Cumin and sumac — These spices add a unique flavor to the rolls. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or Aleppo pepper to the dough.
• Serve the Kurdish-style Semmel warm for the best taste and texture.
• These rolls are perfect for making sandwiches or dipping into soups and stews.
• Experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel immediately after removing them from the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Kurdish-style Semmel as a side dish with traditional Kurdish meals such as kebabs, dolmas, or lentil soup. They can also be enjoyed on their own with a spread of hummus or baba ganoush.

Presentation advice

Arrange the freshly baked Kurdish-style Semmel on a rustic wooden platter or a traditional Kurdish bread basket for an authentic presentation. Sprinkle some sumac or cumin seeds on top for an extra touch of color.