Saving Room for Dessert

Delicious easy-to-follow recipes for food lovers!

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Breakfast
    • Candy
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes & Cakes
    • Desserts
    • Frozen Treats
    • Main Course
    • Other Yummy Stuff
    • Pies
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Smoothies
    • Soups, Stews & Chili
    • Veges & Side Dishes
  • Travel
  • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Contact
Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Breakfast
    • Candy
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes & Cakes
    • Desserts
    • Frozen Treats
    • Main Course
    • Other Yummy Stuff
    • Pies
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Smoothies
    • Soups, Stews & Chili
    • Veges & Side Dishes
  • Travel
  • About Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Persian Flatbread with Za’atar

   |    30 Comments

  • Share
  • Yum
  • Email

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This is an easy to make, classic flatbread that gets crisp and golden in the oven due to a flour paste (roomal) spread over the dough before baking.  Sprinkled with Za’atar then baked, this is a flavorful enjoyable bread perfect for tearing, dipping and sharing.

I planned to take step-by-step photos but I was babysitting my two year old grandson and it just didn’t happen.  I managed to take a couple of shots of the dough before the first rise.

An hour later the dough had doubled and bubbled.  This is a very fluid, shaggy dough that has a mind of its own.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing – just different.  The dough is divided into two ovals then allowed to rise again for an hour.  

I laid the bread on a rack to cool and Isaac reached up on the counter and took off with a loaf.  He was determined to try a piece of bread so I let him help himself.  
He loved it and enjoyed several pieces. 

After I salvaged the rest, he went down for a nap and I took some photos.  My husband and I enjoyed the bread with some robust cheese and olive oil mixed with Za’atar for dipping.

Add a nice class of wine and who needs dinner?

I love this kind of weekend.  Fresh bread, great cheese, good wine and a sweet little boy that likes to eat!

Persian Flatbread
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 cups lukewarm water (about 90-95 degrees)
4 cups unbleached bread flour, plus more for kneading
salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
cornmeal for sprinkling
2 tablespoons Za’atar (recipe follows)

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 2 cups of lukewarm water with the yeast.  Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.  Add 4 cups of bread flour and 2 teaspoons salt.  Mix at medium speed until a loose dough forms.  Increase the speed to medium-high and mix until the dough is smooth, about 5-6 minutes.  Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 1 minute.  Transfer the dough to a large oiled mixing bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Place in a warm, draft free spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Punch down the dough and form into 2 ovals.  The dough will be shaggy and a little loose.  Place the ovals on an oiled baking sheet and cover with a sheet of oiled plastic wrap.  Let the dough rise again for about 1 hour.

While the dough is rising the second time, prepare the flour paste.  In a small saucepan combine 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1/2 cup of water.  Cook the paste on medium, whisking until thickened, about 2 minutes.  Let the flour paste cool.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Set a pizza stone on the lowest rack and heat for 30 minutes.  Generously sprinkle a pizza peel with cornmeal.  (I don’t have a pizza peel so I dusted a large piece of parchment paper)  Punch down 1 piece of dough and transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.  Press the dough into a 14×5 inch rectangle, then transfer the dough to the peel.  Shake the peel lightly to make sure the dough doesn’t stick.  Add more cornmeal if needed.  Using your fingers, press 5 deep lengthwise ridges into the dough.  (I didn’t make mine deep enough – so don’t be afraid to press down hard.)  Rub about 1/3 of the flour paste over the surface and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the Za’atar.  Slide the dough onto the hot stone and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and risen.  Repeat with the second loaf.  (You will probably have some leftover flour paste – discard.)  Serve immediately.

Yield:  2 large loaves

(recipe adapted from February 2013 edition of Food and Wine)

Za’atar
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons ground sumac
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon oregano
dash of freshly ground pepper

Mix together in small bowl.  Store in a cool, dry location or in the refrigerator.  Use two tablespoons for sprinkling on the bread, then the reminder can be combined with olive oil for dipping.

(recipe slightly adapted from 101 Cookbooks)

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We ordered heirloom tomato plants this year and they came in the mail!  How cool is that.  We can’t wait to get them in the ground and watch them grow.  Are you ready for fresh garden tomatoes?  I am!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for stopping by!

Tricia

Before you leave

Join my free email list and get a FREE e-cookbook!
Never miss a recipe - sign up today!

You may also like these

Grilled Pesto Pizza with Arugula and FetaA casserole dish filled with slow-cooker corned beef and cabbageSlow-Cooker Corned Beef and CabbageEasy Oven-Braised Pot Roast RecipeFall Vegetable Curry with Cashew QuinoaGrilled Pork Chops with Chipotle Butter

Delicious Dinner Inspiration!

from quick & easy to company worthy

Previous Post: Lemon Yogurt Cake
Next Post: Shaved Asparagus Salad

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

30 Comments

  1. Vee says

    May 27, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    Oh I must snag this for my bread folder…need to pick up a few ingredients first. It looks wonderful and I enjoy dipping bread in warmed olive oil. The clincher is that your cute little grandson is so obviously enjoying it!

    reply to this comment >
  2. Anna and Liz Recipes says

    April 28, 2014 at 3:55 pm

    Yum Tricia, I would love to try this recipe too!

    reply to this comment >
  3. IndrÄ— says

    April 28, 2014 at 6:20 am

    Looks so tasty! I still have some Zaatar from Morocco. Maybe have to try this.

    reply to this comment >
  4. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    April 27, 2014 at 7:13 pm

    Your flatbread turned out beautifully and looks truly delicious. I can't wait to try making some myself – but maybe not when our 2-year-old grandson is visiting 🙂 They do have a mind of their own, don't they! Adorable photo of your Isaac.

    reply to this comment >
  5. Sugar et al says

    April 27, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    This is a gorgeous flat bread…I so want to make this! Thank you for stopping by my space..I love your blog name. Couldn't agree more with the philosophy:-)

    reply to this comment >
  6. [email protected] is How I Cook says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    Love Issac's shirt and you know I love anything with za'atar! I make a flatbread called ma'aneesh that is similar but not as puffy as yours. So good and I can't make it often enough!

    reply to this comment >
  7. Elzbieta Hester says

    April 25, 2014 at 4:05 am

    ..tearing, dipping and sharing – love it! The bread looks fantastic 🙂 [email protected] Apron

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:24 pm

      One of my favorites – dipping bread – you just can't beat it!

      reply to this comment >
  8. scrambledhenfruit says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:20 am

    That sounds like the perfect day to me! You are so lucky to have your grandson nearby. 🙂 The flatbread looks wonderful! I'd love to try it on the grill too. It'll also be good with those heirloom tomatoes!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      I would love to try this on the grill – great idea! I do feel lucky to be able to spend time with Isaac. He's a doll!

      reply to this comment >
  9. Monica says

    April 25, 2014 at 3:10 am

    Awww…how wonderful you have an appreciative little guy to cook for! I can tell already that the boy has good taste. This flatbread looks so delicious. It looks like such a wonderful afternoon meal to enjoy in the sun.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      Isaac won't eat everything but I love sharing new things with him. I was so surprised when he insisted on this bread. He's such fum! I have a bucket of wooden spoons and when he arrives for a visit, he asks for each one and selects two that are alike and walks around with them the rest of the day. So funny.

      reply to this comment >
  10. Sue/the view from great island says

    April 25, 2014 at 1:38 am

    This looks AMAZING — I wish I could have shared it with you!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      Come for a visit Sue and we'll make it together – and have some cheese and wine!

      reply to this comment >
  11. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says

    April 25, 2014 at 12:26 am

    I have all the ingredients and I'm going to be eating this in just a few hours. I can't wait.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      Yeah! I hope you love as much as we do Maureen.

      reply to this comment >
  12. Wendy says

    April 24, 2014 at 11:18 pm

    I would SO love this for dinner! A good cheese, a delicious bread, and a glass of wine is my idea of a perfect meal. :)<br />Yeah! Another use for zaatar! This even looks easy enough for a yeast-phobic baker like me! 🙂 And the bread is obviously Isaac approved!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:21 pm

      Give it a try Wendy – so easy – really! Season the bread with anything you like. I am just in love with Za'atar these days. Have a lovely weekend!

      reply to this comment >
  13. Cheri Savory Spoon says

    April 24, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    HI Tricia, great looking flatbread, you make it sound easy. Looks like your little taste tester loved it too!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:20 pm

      It is so easy Cheri – free-form bread you can tear and eat. Yum! Have a great weekend.

      reply to this comment >
  14. Chris Scheuer says

    April 24, 2014 at 10:47 pm

    Oh Tricia, these flatbreads look amazing. I can see why Isaac grabbed one, I would have grabbed two. I feel like I've just visited a Middle Eastern bakery after looking at this post 🙂 <br />p.s. that Isaac is adorable, I know you had so much fun with him! I know what you mean about not getting the step-by-step pictures. I don't get anything done when my grandkids are around but it's

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      Amen Chris – amen. Isaac has a mind of his own when it comes to food – if he wants it – he wants it now. He often carries around apples and oranges and wooden spoons. I think he likes the kitchen!

      reply to this comment >
  15. Mary Callan says

    April 24, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    Oh these look wonderful – I"m so into Zatar – I just bought a jar of it!<br />Mary

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      I'm in love with Za'atar and have been putting it on everything. Even bread!

      reply to this comment >
  16. Big Dude says

    April 24, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    This looks delicious Tricia. As much as we enjoy bread, and Bev bakes frequently, we've never made flat bread – need to change that.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      Hope you love it – the olive oil, wine and cheese seal the deal!

      reply to this comment >
  17. Pam says

    April 24, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    The bread sounds delicious and is a must try! Isaac is adorable in his cute little t-shirt!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      Aww thanks – I do love his t-shirt!

      reply to this comment >
  18. Angie Schneider says

    April 24, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    That looks so much like the flatbread I saw in Turkish bakery. I love the open crumbs of this Persian bread.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 25, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      Thanks Angie – the open crumb is perfect for little pools of olive oil – so delicious!

      reply to this comment >

NEVER MISS A RECIPE

Join my free email list and receive a free e-cookbook!

All Content Copyright Saving Room For Dessert © 2022 • Privacy Policy • Site Design by Emily White Designs

  • Pin
  • Share
  • Yum
  • Email
63 shares