Taboon Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast 2 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 2 cups (470ml) warm water 2 cups (470ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 160 kcal / 670 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0.5g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 0g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing well 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 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls, about the size of a tennis ball.
7. 7.
   Roll out each ball into a thin round shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
8. 8.
   Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 10 minutes.
9. 9.
   Bake the Taboon Bread in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly chewier texture.
• Instant yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
• Warm water — The water should be warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature around 110°F (43°C).
• Salt — Salt enhances the flavor of the bread and helps to control the yeast's activity. Make sure to evenly distribute the salt in the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more authentic flavor, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or za'atar on top of the bread before baking.
• If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the baked bread with olive oil or melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
• Taboon Bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven or toaster before serving.
• Experiment with different fillings and spreads to create delicious sandwiches using Taboon Bread.
• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

Serving advice

Serve Taboon Bread alongside traditional Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, or falafel. It can also be used to wrap grilled meats, vegetables, or as a base for a delicious shawarma sandwich.

Presentation advice

To present Taboon Bread, stack the rounds on a platter or in a bread basket, allowing the warm aroma to entice your guests. You can also garnish the bread with fresh herbs or sprinkle some za'atar on top for an extra touch of flavor.