Authentic Moroccan Bread Recipes

MOROCCAN BREAD RECIPE KHOBZ

Steps:

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. As an alternative, dust it with semolina or lightly oil it.
• Put the flour, sugar,and salt in a large bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast with some of the warm water.
• Dissolve the yeast in the water using your fingers, and add the remaining water and oil. Mix well until you obtain a homegenous dough.
• Transfer the dough to a kneading mat. Knead the dough until elastic and smooth, around 5-10 minutes. Make sure it's not sticky but soft by adding more water or flour as needed.
• Divide the dough into two buns and place them on the baking sheet ensuring there's enough space between them. Let them rest covered with a towel for 10-15 minutes.
• Pat the buns into flat, round loaves to 1/4" thickness. Let them rise once again covered with a towel for an hour. You can let them rise for longer in a colder place. The dough is ready when it springs back after pressing it lightly.
• Preheat the oven until it reaches 435°F or 225°C.
• Use a fork to poke a few holes in the dough or a knife to lightly score its surface before putting it in the preheated oven.
• Rotate the pan and bake until golden brown, or about 20 minutes. To check if your homemade Moroccan bread is baked properly, tap it and ensure it gives a hollow sound.
• Let your perfectly baked khobz cool before enjoying it.

AUTHENTIC MOROCCAN BREAD

Steps:

• Add the sugar to 1/4 cup of lukewarm water. Then add the yeast and stir to soften. Let it sit in a warm place until the yeast is bubbly & doubles in volume, roughly 2 minutes.
• Mix the flours & salt in the large mixing bowl. After yeast is ready add it to the flour along with the milk. Add enough lukewarm water to the mixture to form a stiff dough.
• Note:Flours differ in their ability to absorb moisture so no precise amount can be given. Add a small amount at a time. If you have added too much the mixture will be extra sticky and it will be hard to get off your hands. The right consistency should allow the dough to pull easily off your fingers.
• Place the dough onto a lightly floured board & knead hard with closed fists, pushing outward. During the final part of kneading, add 1 tsp of cumin or sesame seeds. It will take between 10-15 minutes to knead the dough thoroughly. You will know it is ready when it achieves a smooth, elastic consistency. (If you are using an electric beater with a dough hook, knead 7-8 minutes on a slow speed.).
• Take the thoroughly kneaded dough & form it into two balls & let it stand for 5 minutes on the board.
• Sprinkle cornmeal onto two baking sheets & place to the side. Then lightly grease a mixing bowl with oil. Transfer the first ball of dough to the bowl. Roll the dough along the sides while rotating bowl with your other hand, this will make the dough into a cone shape.
• Place the dough, wide end down, onto the first baking sheet. Flatten the cone with the palm of your hand to form a disc about 5 inches in diameter with a slightly raised center. Repeat with the second ball. Lightly sprinkle the remaining seeds on top of the bread.
• Cover each disc loosely with a damp towel & let it rise for about 2 hours in a warm place. The dough will be ready when you can gently pole your finger into it & it will not spring back into place.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Using a fork, poke the bread 3 to 4 times & place in the center shelf of the oven. Bake for 12 minutes, then lower the heat to 300 degrees & make 25-30 minutes more.
• To give the bread a nice brown color, turn the oven on broil. Watch the bread carefully, once it is golden, turn it over to brown the other side. Remove from the oven & let cool.
• Note: When done, the bread will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN KHOBZ BREAD FOR BREAD MACHINE

Steps:

• 1. Add water, sugar, salt and oil to bread machine.
• 2. Add both flours to bread machine 1/2 cup at a time, leveling off each 1/2 cup with a knife before adding.
• 3. Sprinkle anise seed over the flour. Make a well in the flour taking care not to reach the water and add yeast to well.
• 4. Process on dough setting. When done, spray a large baking sheet with cooking oil. With floured hands, remove dough to baking sheet. Cut in half and form to balls. Press each balls down into circles approximately 1/2" thick.
• 5. Spray dough with cooking oil, cover with a damp towel and place in a warm spot away from direct sun for 30 minutes. The cooking oil spray will help keep the towel from sticking. Preheat oven to 375.
• 6. After dough has risen, prick all over with a fork, lightly brush with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• 7. Place on the center shelf of your oven and shut the door. Wait a few minutes and then place a small cast iron pan with cold water on the bottom shelf of the oven. Bake another 15-20 minutes depending on your oven. Remove when nicely golden but not brown.