So here’s the deal. I went for my walk this morning with the idea of stopping off at the shops afterwards and picking up a couple of things for tonight’s dinner. Sounds reasonable right? I thought it was.
Three different shops I stopped at didn’t have fresh Lebanese bread though they usually do.
Home I trudge with the things I did manage to purchase and the thought that I’d just have to go back out later to the bakery two suburbs over and buy my bread. The thing is I got lazy so instead decided to make my own. That’s right….I’m never too lazy to bake.
Well I found myself a recipe and am now very pleased with myself.
What you’ll need:-
2 cups bakers flour
1 1/2 tsp dried yeast
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp sugar
3/4-1 cup warm water (not hot)
What to do with the the above ingredients:-
Put them all into a big bowl (if you’re not sure your yeast is good, blend it with the water, salt and sugar and leave it for 10 minutes until it is frothy. If it isn’t frothy, my friend, you need to buy yeast). Mix all together then knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Put in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave in a warm draft free place to prove for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. (I use the oven)
After the dough has doubled in size cut into 4 or 6 equal portions (depending on if you prefer big or small bread) and shape into balls. Drape the plastic wrap over the portions and leave to rest 20 minutes more.
Turn the oven on to the hottest it will go and make sure one of the shelves is in the middle.
Take one portion of dough at a time and roll out very thinly, 0.5mm. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake for 3 minutes, turn over cook 1 minute more.
I cooked one at a time but if you have a bigger oven than I do (which wouldn’t be hard) do more.
The best part is watching the dough puff up. Maybe that’s just me…
Anyway… I’m very happy with how they came out. I think even mum would be…
By the way dinner was Koussa ma’hshi, which I posted a recipe for a few months ago. Take another look.
Enjoy…