Lafa Bread is a delightful Middle Eastern flatbread, perfect for any meal as a side, appetizer, or even as the base for a sandwich wrap. Similar to naan, this homemade bread is simple, quick to prepare, and acts as a perfect "vehicle for dips, sauces, and anything your heart desires." Its forgiving dough, enhanced with yogurt, requires minimal kneading and results in a deliciously soft interior with a crispy exterior.
Ingredients
🥛 1 cup milk
🍶 1 packet approx. 2.25 teaspoons yeast
🥣 1/4 cup yogurt
🫒 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (Brand not visible)
🌾 3 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🍬 1 teaspoon sugar
🍞 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
🌿 2-3 tablespoons Za'atar
🫒 Olive oil, enough to make a paste for the topping (Brand not visible)
🧂 Flaky sea salt (Brand not visible)
🍋 Lemon, for zest
Instructions
1- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- Warm 1 cup milk in a small saucepan until slightly above room temperature.
- Add 1 packet of yeast to the milk, allowing it to activate.
- Stir in 1/4 cup yogurt and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
- Mix thoroughly.
3- Mix Dough:
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the wet mixture.
- Use a silicone-headed spatula to incorporate flour into the liquid, then switch to hands to form a loose dough. Avoid over-kneading.
4- First Rise:
- Cover the bowl with a Burlap & Barrel kitchen towel.
- Leave in a warm spot to rise for 20-30 minutes until the dough doubles in size.
5- Portion and Shape:
- Punch down the risen dough and form a log on a wooden cutting board.
- Divide the dough into eight equal pieces and flatten each by hand.
6- Cook Lafa Bread:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook each lafa until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side on a Viking gas stovetop.
7- Prepare Za'atar Oil Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons Za'atar with olive oil to create a paste.
- Add a pinch of flaky sea salt.
8- Serve:
- Spread Za'atar paste over hot lafa, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and lemon zest using a Microplane zester.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 180
Proteins: 4g
Fats: 4g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Equipment Used:
- Stainless steel saucepan
- Stainless steel large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Burlap & Barrel kitchen towel
- Wooden cutting board
- Non-stick pan
- Viking gas stovetop
- Microplane zester
Cooking Tips
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot when activating yeast to prevent deactivation.
- The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, adjust with flour if necessary during shaping.
- Cooking in a dry pan is essential for a crispy texture.
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Ayesha Nurdjaja: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefAyeshaNurdjaja