Make Your Family A Delicious and Special Market-Style Taftoon Bread at Home

According to SAEDNEWS, Taftoon bread, also known as Taftan, is a traditional, crispy, and flat bread made from "Fatir" dough or slightly leavened dough. This bread is prepared using refined white flour, water, salt, instant yeast or sourdough through fermentation processes, and after shaping, it is baked on a hot surface in its distinctive form.

Ingredients for Taftoon Bread

• Flour: 3 cups

• Water: Approximately 1 cup

• Instant yeast powder: 1 tablespoon

• Lukewarm water: 1/3 cup

• Vegetable oil: 4 tablespoons

• Sugar: 1 tablespoon

• Salt: 1 teaspoon

Instructions for Making Taftoon Bread

Follow the steps below to bake a delicious loaf.

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a suitable bowl, combine the instant yeast powder with 1/3 cup of lukewarm water and sugar.

2. Mix well until the yeast and sugar are dissolved.

3. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm spot for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and activates.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Sift the flour three times to ensure it’s smooth and free of lumps.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the sifted flour with vegetable oil and salt.

3. Gradually add approximately 1 cup of water to the flour mixture.

4. Mix with a spoon until the dough starts to come together. The exact amount of water may vary depending on the flour used.

Step 3: Adjust Dough Consistency

1. Some flours absorb more water than others, so add water gradually to prevent the dough from becoming too loose.

2. Once the dough comes together, it should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface.

2. Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky at the end of kneading.

3. Grease a suitable bowl (twice the size of the dough volume) with a little vegetable oil.

4. Form the dough into a large ball and place it in the greased bowl.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

1. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel.

2. Place the bowl in a warm area and let the dough rise for one to one and a half hours until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Deflate and Divide the Dough

1. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.

2. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it lightly to deflate.

3. Divide the dough into 60-gram portions.

4. Cover the dough portions with a clean cloth and let them rest for another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

1. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat until it is well heated.

2. Roll out each 60-gram dough portion into a round shape using a rolling pin.

3. Create patterns on the dough with your hands if desired for an attractive appearance.

Step 8: Cook the Taftoon Bread

1. Place the rolled dough rounds onto the hot pan.

2. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the bread becomes golden brown.

3. If desired, sprinkle a little sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top before the bread sets.

4. Once cooked, transfer the bread to a plate lined with plastic wrap or cloth to prevent it from drying out.

Your delicious and crispy Taftoon bread is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm alongside your favorite dishes.

Additional Tips for Perfect Taftoon Bread

• Flour Selection: Use high-quality refined white flour for the best texture and taste.

• Temperature Control: Ensure the water used for activating the yeast is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.

• Resting Time: Allow the dough sufficient time to rise in a warm environment to achieve the best texture.

• Shaping: Be gentle when shaping the dough to maintain its airy structure.

• Cooking Surface: Make sure the pan is adequately heated before placing the dough to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Enjoy your homemade Taftoon bread as a delightful addition to your meals and gatherings!