Lebanese Mountain Bread

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon nigella seeds
• 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, yeast, and salt. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the olive oil and mix to combine. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Combine the sesame seeds, nigella seeds, sumac, and oregano in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
7. Lightly brush each ball with olive oil and roll in the seed mixture. Place on a greased baking sheet.
8. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Lebanese Mountain Bread is often served with hummus or other dips.
• The combination of sesame seeds, nigella seeds, sumac, and oregano is known as za’atar.
• Lebanese Mountain Bread is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven.