| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 352 | 8g | 1g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 3g | 9g | 0.65g |
Why I Love Egyptian Vegan Skhug with Flatbread
Today, allow me to take you on an epicurean journey to Egypt as we explore the alluring and vibrant flavors of the Vegan Skhug with Flatbread. This simple yet spellbinding dish is reminiscent of the rustic sophistication that lies at the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine, compelling me to return to it time and time again. Inspired by my Louisiana roots that embrace bold, evocative flavors, and my appreciation for the elegance of French cuisine, this Egyptian recipe is a serenade of feisty spices, herbs, and just the right tanginess that leaves a delightful echo on your palate.
Flavors that Resonate
The Vegan Skhug with Flatbread, akin to the Creole foods that I grew up loving, has an incredible depth and complexity of flavors. It resonates well with my French affinity for texture-play on the plate. The verdant spice of Skhug (pronounced skoog), reminiscent of the feisty chimichurri or hot salsa verde, is the crowning glory of this recipe. Flavor packed jalapenos, cilantro, parsley, and an exotic mix of ground spices come together into this potent and versatile dip.
Unearthing the Connection
While the origins of this dish are purely Egyptian, its spirit is a tribute to the globally-renowned Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, who has undoubtedly inspired my approach to Middle Eastern Cuisine. His philosophy of using fresh ingredients and spices in unpretentious ways reverberates through this recipe.
This delightful recipe is well-partnered with a variety of dishes. The Vegan Skhug with Flatbread can either be served as a flavorful stand-alone snack, or could perfectly complement a simple Israeli Salad or a richly-spiced Middle-Eastern Lamb Stew. If you’re inclined towards a vegetarian contrast, a Hearty Lentil Soup would be an equally delightful coupling.
So, embrace this beautiful embrace of the East and West on a plate, and allow this recipe’s symphony of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Happy Cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 5-6 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 4 Jalapenos
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground caraway
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Method
Step One
Combine the warm water and sugar in a large bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it’s foamy.
Step Two
While the yeast is blooming, mix together 5 cups of the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Once the yeast is ready, add it to the dry ingredients, along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, adding additional flour if needed. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step Three
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step Four
While the dough rises, make the skhug. In a food processor, combine the garlic, jalapenos, cilantro, parsley, spices, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Process until a rough paste forms.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the middle to heat.
Step Six
When the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece out into a thin circle. Carefully place a dough circle onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet and bake for about 2 minutes, or until the bread is puffed and slightly golden. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step Seven
Serve the warm flatbread with the skhug on the side or spread it on top. Enjoy your Vegan Skhug with Flatbread!
