| 2.5 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour | 1 packet (or 2 1⁄4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast | 1.5 teaspoons of xanthan gum (If your gluten-free flour doesn’t include it) | 1 teaspoon of salt |
| 2 tablespoons of sugar | 1 cup of warm milk (lactose-free if needed) | 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted (substitute dairy-free if needed) | 1 large egg |
| 2 tablespoons of saffron infused milk (a pinch of saffron strands steeped in warm milk) | 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds for garnish | 2 tablespoons of melted butter for brushing |
| Prep: Not specified | Cook: Not specified | Difficulty: Not specified | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 283 | 10g | 4.5g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 0.7g | 6g | 0.39g |
About Gluten-Free Sheermal
Welcome to a journey of flavors that transcends the ordinary. Discover the aromatic allure of Gluten-Free Sheermal, a popular feature in the gastronomy of the Middle East and a staple in certain pockets of India. With a history as rich as its flavors, the Gluten-Free Sheermal is indeed an enchanting creation with an equally captivating backstory.
Even though this bread is gluten-free, it does not compromise on the genuine texture and taste of the traditional Sheermal. This makes the Gluten-Free Sheermal a comforting and guilt-free delight for those who must maintain a gluten-free diet, without leaving their taste buds wanting.
The Making of the Gluten-Free Sheermal
This bread is a perfect amalgamation of various ingredients that come together in a beautiful symphony of flavors. The creation process, while straightforward, requires patience, care, and the right blend of ingredients. Naturally gluten-free all-purpose flour forms the backbone of this bread, providing it with its essential structure and texture. To this, the magic of active dry yeast is added, inducing the fermentation essential for the bread to rise.
The presence of xanthan gum ensures that the bread maintains its structure, and if your choice of gluten-free flour does not include it, it’s an easy addition to the mix. Salt and sugar add the quintessential touch of balance to the dish, melding the flavors beautifully – as do a large egg, warm milk, melted unsalted butter, and a delightful twirl of saffron infused milk. A garnishing of slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch and aesthetic appeal, while brushing the baked bread with melted butter gives it its signature glossy sheen.
A Versatile Stalwart in the Culinary Landscape
The Gluten-Free Sheermal is versatile – similar in essence to the Persian nan-e sheermal or the Kashmiri sheermal. It could very well be a comforting accompaniment to a wide array of dishes, such as Murgh Masala, or savored with a sweet touch, such as a dollop of apple sauce.
The Gluten-Free Sheermal doesn’t adhere to the norms – it defies them. It draws on traditions dating back centuries and infuses them with modern adaptations to suit the changing tides of time and diet. It is hearty, fulfilling, and a divine treat to the palate.
So why not let your taste buds take a savory sojourn? Indulge in the art of savoring the exquisite Gluten-Free Sheermal. Allow yourself the pleasure of appreciating the love and passion that goes into making this bread – a bread that soothes the soul and tantalizes the palette with every bite.
What You’ll Need
- 2.5 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (or 2 1⁄4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1.5 teaspoons of xanthan gum (If your gluten-free flour doesn’t include it)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup of warm milk (lactose-free if needed)
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted (substitute dairy-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons of saffron infused milk (a pinch of saffron strands steeped in warm milk)
- 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds for garnish
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter for brushing
Method
Step One
Begin by warming a cup of milk and adding saffron strands to it. Let it steep until the milk is infused with the color and flavor of saffron. Set this aside for it to cool.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, xanthan gum (if needed), salt, and sugar. Make sure to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Step Three
In another bowl, beat one large egg and then add the melted unsalted butter to it. Make sure the butter is not too hot to avoid scrambling the egg.
Step Four
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour the beaten egg and butter mixture, followed by the saffron-infused milk. Start mixing it slowly from the center moving outwards, incorporating the dry elements gradually until a dough starts to form.
Step Five
Once the dough is formed, knead it on a floured surface for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step Six
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or cling wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for at least 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step Seven
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into rounds. Place these on the lined tray.
Step Eight
Brush the top of the dough rounds with the remaining melted butter and garnish with slivered almonds.
Step Nine
Bake the sheermal in the preheated oven for 15 – 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The delicious gluten-free Sheermal is ready! Enjoy it warm.
