Cook's Hideout: Za'atar spiced Khobez/ Khobz (Arabic Flat bread) for #BreadBakers

June 09, 2015

Za'atar spiced Khobez/ Khobz (Arabic Flat bread) for #BreadBakers

For this month's #BreadBakers challenge, our host for the month Mireille picked 'Yeasted Flatbread' as the theme. I had this Khobez or Arabic flatbread bookmarked from 'The New Middle Eastern Vegetarian' cookbook by Sally Butcher.
Khobez or Khubz is the most common Arabic word for bread. It is also known as Aish in Egypt and Samoon in Iraq. It comes in different shapes and thicknesses -- make it small and oval and you've got pita bread. It is the same basic recipe or principle -- soft dough, which when toasted, puffs up to form a neat pocket.
Za'atar spiced Khobez/ Khobz
Za'atar is not traditionally added to the dough, but it definitely adds a lot of flavor and texture. I included the recipe for Zaatar at the end.
These flatbreads are made in the oven and they puff them just like pita breads. I made a few in the oven and a few on the stovetop. They are soft and fluffy and are great for sandwich wraps. Here are some ideas for sandwich wrap fillings: Hummus, falafel, lettuce, roasted veggies, guacamole etc. I made a roasted veggie and Gardein chick'n wrap with halloumi cheese.
Khobez Sandwich Wrap
Ingredients: Makes 5 flatbreads
All purpose flour - 1cup
Whole wheat flour - 1cup
Instant Yeast - 1¼tsp
Sugar - ¼tsp
Salt - ½tsp
Olive Oil - 1tbsp
Lukewarm Water - ½~⅔cup
Zaatar - 1tbsp (recipe follows)

Method:
  • Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Start with ½cup of water and add more water 1tbsp at a time till the dough comes together. Mix and knead to make a soft, smooth dough. Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and set aside to rise for 1~1½hours.
  • Divide the dough into 5 fist sized piece, or 6~7 smaller pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with a clean dish towel and set aside for 20~30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to the maximum 475~500°F. Place a pizza stone or a lightly greased baking sheet in the oven too. Alternately khobez can also be made on the stovetop.
  • Roll the dough balls into ¼" thick rounds.
  • Carefully slide 1 or 2 dough rounds onto the preheated pizza stone or baking stoneand bake for 6 minutes or until khobez puffs up and is light golden in color.
  • Remove the cooked flatbread and repeat with the remaining dough. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Za'atar spiced Khobez/ Khobz
Za'atar Recipe: Recipe from here.
Ingredients:
Dried Thyme - 1tbsp
Sumac - 1tsp
Toasted Sesame seeds - 1tsp
Kosher Salt - ½tsp

Method:
  • Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and store in an airtight container. Use as needed.
Za'atar
BreadBakers
#BreadBakers is a group of bread loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. Follow our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated each month on this home page. We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient. If you are a food blogger and would like to join us, just send Stacy an email with your blog URL to foodlustpeoplelove@gmail.com #BreadBakers - Yeasty Flatbreads
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16 comments:

  1. I have made flatbread with zaatar + olive oil paste smudged on the dough prior to baking many, many times and would have never thought to add zaatar to the dough. Brilliant! Your flatbread looks delicious and I like your sandwich wrap suggestion. Good work!

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  2. Delicious! The addition of za'atar is always welcome. =)

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  3. This za'atar looks so beautiful, and your photography is perfection! Wonderful bread!

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  4. I like that you baked the spices right into the bread. Lovely.

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  5. I love the mix of herbs and spices in these breads!

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  6. Beautiful! Do you prefer this on the stovetop or done by baking in the oven? I hope to experiment with both next time to see which results I like better. Yours looks just perfect!

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  7. Za'atar in the mix. I must try this version out. Looks good Pavani!

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  8. Bet your khobz smells wonderful as it bakes with the mix of spices inside!

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  9. Za'atar in the mix sounds awesome! Plus I could fill it with hummus and veggies!

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  10. with za'atar the flavor must have been awesome!

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  11. I need to get my hands on some sumac! I'm missing out.

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  12. I have been looking for recipes with zaatar and I am bookmarking this Pavani.As usual your pics are super delicious :)

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  13. I adore za'atar and love the idea of adding it to the dough instead of spreading it on top. Beautiful bread!

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  14. This bread is on my do to list. Must try it now. Very flavorful bread.

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