| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
In order to replace the values of the nutrition table, one needs to know the nutritional information per serving of the Barbari Bread. The information required include kilocalories, fat, saturates, carbs, sugars, fibre, protein, and salt values per serving. As this information is not provided, the tables cannot be accurately updated. However, here is the HTML structure you would use once you have the necessary information:
“`html
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| /*Barbari’s kcal per serving*/ | /*Barbari’s fat per serving*/ | /*Barbari’s saturates per serving*/ | /*Barbari’s carbs per serving*/ |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| /*Barbari’s sugars per serving*/ | /*Barbari’s fibre per serving*/ | /*Barbari’s protein per serving*/ | /*Barbari’s salt per serving*/ |
“`
Make sure to replace the commented parts with the actual numeric values. This information might be obtained from a nutritional expert or resources, or by calculating the nutrition information per ingredient, and then dividing by the number of servings.
About Barbari Bread
Welcome to our journey of exploring the gastronomic wonders of the world. Today we bring you an authentic bread recipe that originates from the scenic landscapes of Iran: The Barbari Bread. This harmonious balance of simple ingredients and robust flavors has been gracing the dining tables of Persians for centuries. At a first glance, 
you might mistake it for the common Focaccia or Ciabatta due to its similar appearance, but Barbari holds a unique texture and taste that is undeniably its own.
Distinctive in its long and oval shape, dusted generously with sesame seeds, and adorned by several parallel lines running through its length; Barbari can easily be recognized among other bread varieties. The recipe, although sounds like an ordinary assembly of everyday baking items, manages to create a masterpiece that stands out with its dark, crisp crust contrasting against the soft, airy inner.
The Beauty in Barbari’s Simplicity
Often, the most extraordinary tastes are derived from the most uncomplicated ingredients. Barbari Bread is a testament to this culinary truth. Each of the ingredients play a significant role, either in shaping the bread’s unique texture or adding invigorating flavors, that collectively produce a bread that is nutritive, delicious, and satisfying. The water mixed with flour, instead of an egg glaze, gives the crust a glossy finish while the baking powder and yeast work simultaneously to create that desirable, pillowy texture. Finished off with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, the bread is then baked to perfection, waiting to deliver a wave of tastes and textures with each bite.
Pairing Barbari Bread
Barbari’s hearty characteristics and robust flavor profile make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. It is traditionally savored with dishes like Mirza Ghasemi, a smoky aubergine dip, or Kuku Sabzi, a dense and herb-loaded Iranian version of the frittata. The bread can incredibly hold up to a plethora of flavors, making it perfect for hearty dips and stews. Moreover, it makes a fine sandwich bread and can be elevated with a slather of homemade hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a slice of Feta. Do not forget to pair it with a hot cup of Persian tea for a fine culinary closure.
As we always say at Your Gourmet Guru, cooking is never just about recipes, but an insight into a culture’s heart. With each slice of Barbari Bread, we hope you discover a piece of Persia’s rich culinary history, and most importantly – enjoy the rainbow of flavors it brings to your palate.
What You’ll Need
- 2 Cups of warm water
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 5 cups of bread flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 cup of sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup of water mixed with 1 tablespoon of flour (for the glaze)
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the yeast. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 2 cups of warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the 5 cups of bread flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well.
Step Three
Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the dough begins to come together.
Step Four
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball.
Step Five
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm location for about 90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Step Six
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position a baking stone or baking sheet on the middle rack.
Step Seven
Divide the dough into two pieces. Roll each piece into a rectangle that is about 1/2 inch thick. Place these loaves onto a piece of parchment paper.
Step Eight
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of flour to make the glaze. Brush this glaze on the surface of the loaves.
Step Nine
Sprinkle the tops of the loaves with sesame seeds. Then, using your fingers, create deep ridges across the top of each loaf.
Step Ten
Bake the loaves for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tops become golden brown. To ensure even baking, rotate the loaves halfway through cooking.
Step Eleven
Let the bread cool before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Barbari bread!
