Arab Brown Bread Recipe
Arab brown bread, also known as "Khobz Al-Sham," is a traditional Middle Eastern bread known for its hearty, rustic flavor.
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Here's a simple recipe for making Arab brown bread at home:
Ingredients:
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour (for kneading)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (approximately)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour and mix to form a shaggy dough.
If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface or countertop with all-purpose flour.
Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead it for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add more all-purpose flour as you knead to prevent sticking, but be mindful not to add too much.
Let the Dough Rise:
Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
Shape the Bread:
Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles.
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into round or oval loaves.
Bake the Bread:
If you're using a pizza stone or baking stone, carefully transfer the shaped loaves onto the hot stone.
Otherwise, place the loaves on a lightly greased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the bread for about 20-25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Optional: Brush with Olive Oil:
If you like, you can brush the hot bread with olive oil for added flavor and a shiny finish.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the Arab brown bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. It's delicious with a variety of Middle Eastern dishes or as a dip for hummus and olive oil.
Enjoy your homemade Arab brown bread!