Teresa's Recipes
Aish Baladi
Aish Baladi is a beloved Egyptian flatbread that embodies the essence of traditional Egyptian cuisine. With its hearty whole wheat flavor and soft, chewy texture, this bread is perfect for scooping up stews, dips, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil. Often referred to as 'the bread of the people,' Aish Baladi has been a staple in Egyptian households for centuries, signifying hospitality and community. This recipe captures the simplicity and authenticity of this age-old bread, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/4 cups Warm water
- 1 tablespoon (for greasing) Olive oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including rise time)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 31g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Sugar: 0g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and mix well to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl (using olive oil), cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
- Flatten each dough ball gently into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the dough discs on a greased baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- If using a baking stone, transfer the dough to the stone. Otherwise, bake them directly on the sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the dough before baking.
- You can also experiment with adding herbs like za'atar or garlic powder to the dough for a unique twist.
- Aish Baladi pairs beautifully with dips such as baba ghanoush or hummus, making it a versatile accompaniment to any meal.