177 – Khobz – Moroccan White Bread Recipe

Ingredients :

• 1/2 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar for the yeast
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions :

Making the Dough:
1- The first step is to activate the yeast. Mix ½ tablespoon of yeast and ½ teaspoon of sugar, with a little bit of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it.
2- In a large bowl, mix 3 cups of all purpose flour, with ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast mixture.
3- Add warm water, little by little, while mixing the ingredients until you are able to form a dough ball. You only need enough water to get the ingredients together, and the dough ball should not feel wet or sticky.

Kneading the Dough:
1- Place the dough ball on your kitchen counter and start kneading it using the palm of your hands in quick, energetic movements.
2- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until you get a soft and elastic dough.
3- Cut the dough into 4 equal portions. Knead each portion for about 1 minute and shape them in smooth circular mounds.
4- Place the dough balls in a tray, cover them and let them rest for 10 minutes.
5- After 10 minutes, sprinkle flour on your working surface, take each dough ball and flatten it into a circle using the palm of your hands. The circle should be approximately 4 times wider than the original dough ball with about ¼” thickness.
6- Place the dough circles on a baking pan, cover them, and let them rest for 1-2 hours or until the dough springs back when gently pressed with your fingers.

Baking the Bread:
1- Once the dough is ready, using a knife, poke the dough in 4 to 5 places.
2- Preheat your oven to 400 F degrees.
3- Place the breads in the center of the oven and bake for around 20 minutes. Check on the breads and turn them to the other side to bake if necessary. The breads are done when they get a nice golden brown color all over their surface.
4- And that’s it! the breads are ready to be eaten. Yum!!! Look at the difference between the crust and the inside of the bread. Crispy and soft – all in one bite!
Bonne appétit!