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Barberi, Breakfast Bread

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 teaspoons dried yeast
  • 500 ml warm water
  • 750 g strong white flour
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 50 ml olive oil
  • fine polenta for dusting
  • 20 g unsalted butter melted
  • sesame or nigella seed optional

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Dissolve the yeast in 50 ml of the warm water and set aside in a warm place for 10 minutes.
  2. Combine the flour and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook and make a well in the centre. Mix the oil with the remaining water and stir in the yeast mixture, then gradually work into the flour with your hands.

  3. Knead on a slow speed for 10-15 minutes until smooth, shiny and elastic - add more tepid water if necessary. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, then cover with a damp tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.

  4. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees celsius. Knock back the dough, then leave to prove for a further 20 minutes. Halfway through the proving time, put a large, heavy baking tray into the oven for 10 minutes or until very hot.
  5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knock back. Divide into 6 portions and shape into oval balls. Working with one piece of dough, stretch it it into a 30 cm long oval with your hands. If it is easier, roll the dough out lightly with a rolling pin.

  6. Scatter a little polenta over the base of the hot baking tray and transfer the stretched piece of dough. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to mark narrowly spaced parallel lines along the length of the dough. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the seeds of your choice.

  7. Bake for 6-7 minutes, until slightly risen and a rich golden brown. Transfer the cooked loaf to a wooden board and cover with a clean tea towel. While the bread is baking, prepare the next loaf. Continue with the remaining balls of dough.

  8. Barberi bread is best eaten warm. Alternatively, leave it to cool completely, then wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a warm oven.

RECIPE NOTES

This recipe is from the magnificent book Saraban: a chef's journey through Persia.