Best Algerian Flatbread Recipes

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ALGERIAN FLATBREAD



Algerian Flatbread image

Provided by Farid Zadi

Categories     Bread     Vegetarian     Spice     Pan-Fry     Whole Wheat     Gourmet

Yield Makes 12 flatbreads

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups finely ground whole-wheat flour (preferably Indian atta or King Arthur whole-wheat)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric

Steps:

  • Make dough:
  • Stir together flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Slowly stir in water until a soft dough forms. If necessary, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead, dusting with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking, until smooth and elastic, about 15 minutes.
  • Form dough into a ball and coat with 2 tablespoons oil in a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough stand at warm room temperature 1 hour.
  • Stir together cumin, paprika, turmeric, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl.
  • Form flatbreads:
  • Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and, keeping remaining pieces covered with plastic wrap, flatten 1 piece of dough into a disk. Roll out disk as thinly as possible (into a 9-inch round) on a lightly floured surface with a 6-inch wooden dowel or a rolling pin. Spread 1 teaspoon spiced oil on dough with your fingertips, then roll up tightly into a long cylinder and coil into a tight spiral. Transfer to a large sheet of parchment paper, then loosely cover with plastic wrap.
  • Make 11 more spirals in same manner.
  • Finish and cook flatbreads:
  • Tape another sheet of parchment to a work surface and on it roll out 1 spiral of dough into a round approximately 6 inches in diameter. Heat a dry large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot, then cook flatbread, turning once, until puffed and browned in spots, 3 to 4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel. Roll out and cook 11 more flatbreads, stacking them on plate.
  • What to drink:
  • Cape Mentelle Margaret River Chardonnay '05

MSEMMEN - ALGERIAN FLATBREAD



Msemmen - Algerian Flatbread image

There's character to spare in this layered flatbread, called msemmen in Arabic. The dough is rubbed with spiced oil, rolled into a spiral, flattened, and then cooked on a griddle, for a flakiness that's surprisingly substantial.This recipe from Farid Zadi. Zadi likes pairing the flatbread with an acidic dish,but the bread actually goes well with an entire meal, so plan on leaving it on the table from start to finish.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Breads

Time 54m

Yield 12 flatbreads

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups finely ground whole wheat flour (preferably Indian atta or King Arthur whole-wheat)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric

Steps:

  • Make dough:.
  • Stir together flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Slowly stir in water until a soft dough forms. If necessary, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead, dusting with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking, until smooth and elastic, about 15 minutes.
  • Form dough into a ball and coat with 2 tablespoons oil in a bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough stand at warm room temperature 1 hour.
  • Stir together cumin, paprika, turmeric, and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small bowl.
  • Form flatbreads:.
  • Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and, keeping remaining pieces covered with plastic wrap, flatten 1 piece of dough into a disk. Roll out disk as thinly as possible (into a 9-inch round) on a lightly floured surface with a 6-inch wooden dowel or a rolling pin. Spread 1 teaspoon spiced oil on dough with your fingertips, then roll up tightly into a long cylinder and coil into a tight spiral. Transfer to a large sheet of parchment paper, then loosely cover with plastic wrap.
  • Make 11 more spirals in same manner.
  • Finish and cook flatbreads:.
  • Tape another sheet of parchment to a work surface and on it roll out 1 spiral of dough into a round approximately 6 inches in diameter. Heat a dry large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot, then cook flatbread, turning once, until puffed and browned in spots, 3 to 4 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel. Roll out and cook 11 more flatbreads, stacking them on plate.
  • Cook's notes:.
  • • Flatbreads are best when freshly made but can be cooked 1 day ahead, then cooled and kept, wrapped in foil, at room temperature. Reheat (in foil) in a 350°F oven or in a steamer about 10 minutes.
  • • Spirals of dough can be rolled out (but not cooked) 1 day ahead and chilled, layered between sheets of plastic wrap, then tightly wrapped, on a baking sheet. Bring to room temperature before cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183.4, Fat 9.8, SaturatedFat 1.4, Sodium 195.9, Carbohydrate 21.9, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 0.1, Protein 4

Algerian flatbread recipes are a staple food in Algeria and the surrounding North African countries. There are a variety of different flatbreads that are made in this region, each with their own unique texture and flavor. These breads are often enjoyed with homemade dips and sauces or used as a base for sandwiches and wraps.

History of Algerian Flatbread

The history of Algerian flatbread goes back centuries. Flatbreads have been a staple food in North Africa since ancient times, with evidence of their existence dating back to the Neolithic period. In Algeria, as in many other North African countries, bread is considered a sacred food and is an important part of daily life.

Types of Algerian Flatbread

There are many different types of Algerian flatbread, each with their own distinct flavor and texture. Here are a few of the most popular types of Algerian flatbread:
Kesra
Kesra is a traditional Algerian flatbread that is often served with spicy dips and stews. It is made from semolina flour, which gives it a distinctive texture and flavor. Kesra is often cooked on a cast-iron griddle, which gives it a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
Msemen
Msemen is a type of Moroccan flatbread that is also popular in Algeria. It is made from a dough that is rolled out into thin, flat circles and then folded into a square shape before being cooked on a hot griddle. Msemen has a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky interior, and is often served with honey, butter, or jam.
Batbout
Batbout is a soft, fluffy Moroccan flatbread that is often used for sandwiches and wraps. It is made from a simple dough that is rolled out and cut into small rounds before being cooked on a hot griddle. Batbout can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses.

How Algerian Flatbread is Made

The process for making Algerian flatbread varies depending on the type of bread being made. However, there are a few key steps that are common to most Algerian flatbread recipes:
Mixing the Dough
The first step in making Algerian flatbread is to mix the dough. This usually involves combining flour, water, salt, and yeast (if making a yeast-based bread) in a large mixing bowl. The dough is then kneaded until it is smooth and elastic.
Rising the Dough
After the dough is mixed and kneaded, it is left to rise in a warm, draft-free place. This allows the yeast to ferment and the dough to double in size.
Shaping the Bread
Once the dough has risen, it is shaped into the desired size and shape. This may involve rolling out the dough into thin circles, folding it into squares, or shaping it into balls.
Cooking the Bread
The final step in making Algerian flatbread is to cook the bread. This is usually done on a hot griddle or in a wood-fired oven. The bread is cooked until it is golden brown and has a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Conclusion

Algerian flatbread recipes are an important part of North African cuisine. From traditional kesra to fluffy batbout, these breads are enjoyed by millions of people every day. Whether served with dips and stews or used as a base for sandwiches and wraps, Algerian flatbread is a delicious and versatile food that is a staple of the North African diet.
Algerian flatbread, also known as Khobz, is a staple in Algerian cuisine. It is a type of bread made with simple ingredients, including flour, water, yeast, and salt. Khobz is generally eaten with every meal in Algeria, and it is served warm and fresh. This flatbread is relatively easy to make, but there are some critical tips to keep in mind while preparing it. Here are some valuable tips that can help you make delicious and authentic Algerian flatbread.

Tip 1: Use the Right Flour

The type of flour you use plays a vital role in the texture and flavor of the flatbread. Algerian flatbread is usually made with durum wheat flour, which is a higher protein flour than all-purpose flour. This type of flour has more gluten, which makes the flatbread dough more elastic and stretchy. You can find this type of flour in most grocery stores that stock Middle Eastern or Mediterranean ingredients. If you can't find durum wheat flour, you can use a mixture of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.

Tip 2: Measure the Ingredients Carefully

Measuring ingredients accurately is crucial when making flatbread dough. You must follow the recipe carefully and use the right amount of flour, water, yeast, and salt. Adding too much flour can make the dough too stiff, and adding too much water can make it too soft. As a result, it's essential to measure the ingredients correctly before adding them to the bowl. You can use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, or you can use measuring cups and spoons.

Tip 3: Knead the Dough Properly

Kneading the dough is crucial to the texture of the flatbread. Properly kneaded dough is smooth and elastic, which allows it to rise more effectively. When kneading the dough, you should use your hands and apply pressure to stretch and fold it. The more you work the dough, the more gluten forms, which makes the bread more elastic. Kneading the dough for at least ten minutes is vital to achieving a well-risen and fluffy bread.

Tip 4: Allow the Dough to Rise

Once you have kneaded the dough, you need to let it rise. This step is crucial because it allows the yeast to ferment the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that makes the dough rise. To allow the dough to rise, cover it with a damp kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free place. The ideal temperature for bread to rise is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which can take anywhere from one to two hours.

Tip 5: Stretch and Shape the Flatbread

After the dough has risen, you need to stretch and shape it into the desired size and shape. This step is essential because it affects the texture and appearance of the bread. To shape the dough, you should sprinkle some flour on a flat surface and place the dough on it. Use your hands or a rolling pin to stretch the dough evenly, forming a round or oval shape. Once you have shaped the bread, place it on a baking sheet and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before baking.

Tip 6: Bake the Flatbread at the Right Temperature

Baking the bread at the right temperature is critical to achieving the right texture and crust. Algerian flatbread is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, but most home cooks can use a regular oven. The ideal temperature for baking the bread is between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat the oven before baking and place the bread on the middle rack. The bread should take around 10 to 15 minutes to bake, depending on the size and thickness of the bread. The bread should have a golden-brown color and a crispy crust.

Tip 7: Store the Flatbread Properly

Proper storage is necessary to keep the bread fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Algerian flatbread is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored for a few days. To store the bread, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. You can also freeze the bread for up to three months. To freeze the bread, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the bread at room temperature before reheating in the oven.
Conclusion
Algerian flatbread is a delicious and straightforward bread that can be made at home with the right ingredients and techniques. Using the right flour, measuring the ingredients accurately, kneading the dough correctly, allowing it to rise, shaping it properly, and baking it at the right temperature are essential steps to achieving a delicious flatbread. By following these valuable tips, you can make authentic and mouth-watering Algerian flatbread that will impress your family and friends.

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