Tunisian Kesra Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (150g) semolina flour 1 cup (150g) semolina flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) plain yogurt 1/4 cup (60ml) plain yogurt
• Olive oil, for greasing Olive oil, for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Add the yeast mixture and yogurt to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
7. 7.
   On a floured surface, flatten each ball into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil.
9. 9.
   Cook each circle of dough for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
10. 10.
    Remove from the heat and let the bread cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Semolina flour — Semolina flour adds a unique texture to the bread. If you can't find semolina flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
• Yogurt — Yogurt adds moisture and tanginess to the bread. If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based yogurt as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more authentic flavor, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the bread before cooking.
• If you prefer a thinner bread, you can divide the dough into 6 portions instead of 4.
• Serve the Kesra bread warm for the best taste and texture.
• Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the bread.

Serving advice

Serve the Tunisian Kesra bread alongside traditional Tunisian dishes such as Chakchouka or Harissa-spiced stews. It can also be enjoyed as a base for sandwiches or as a side to soups and salads.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can brush the cooked bread with olive oil and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving. Serve it on a wooden board or a traditional Tunisian plate for an authentic touch.