Baking bread is time-consuming and it needs patience. But I think it brings joy. Because when you bake your loved ones favorite recipe you get a sort of satisfaction and happiness (as they say, the fruit of hard work is the sweetest).
Although most types of bread are available in stores, it gives great happiness when we serve bread which is prepared by our hand to our loved ones.
Syrian onion bread is easy to make and requires very few ingredients.You can bake it with basic ingredients that are always available in the pantry. This simple and easy bread tastes delicious with its aromatic and flavorful topping.
This recipe is from a book that I recently read called Bread: The Breads of the World and how to Bake them at Home.
I saw some fresh mint leaves in my balcony garden. When I saw those fresh mint leaves, this recipe arrived into my mind and I decided to bake this simple bread.
Can dried mint leaves be used?
Yes, you can use dried mint leaves if you do not have fresh ones. Both are equally good.
SYRIAN ONION BREAD RECIPE
This simple and easy bread tastes delicious with its aromatic and flavorful topping.
PREPARATION TIME : 25 MINUTES.
RESTING TIME : 1 HOUR AND 15 MINUTES.
BAKING TIME : 15 – 20 MINUTES.
INGREDIENTS
Two cups (250 ml cup) of all purpose flour
1/2 Teaspoon of salt
One and 3/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast
1/2 a cup of water
For the topping
Two table spoons of finely chopped onion
One teaspoon of cumin seeds
One tablespoon of coriander seeds
One tablespoon of olive oil
One table spoon of chopped fresh mint leaves
METHOD
STEP 1. Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water and keep it in a warm place, for the yeast to activate.
STEP 2. Take a large bowl and sift together, the salt and flour. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast water. Then pour in half more cup of water and make a firm dough.Transfer this dough on to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 10 minutes.
STEP 3. Place this dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave it to rise, in a warm place for about one hour, or until the dough becomes double in size.
STEP 4. After an hour, punch the dough and divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
STEP 5. Transfer each piece on to a lightly floured surface and roll them into 5 – 6 inch rounds.
STEP 6. Slightly flatten the pieces of dough. Prick all over using a fork. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and keep them well apart. Cover the with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 to 20 minutes.
STEP 7. Mean while preheat the oven to 185 degree Celsius. Add the cumin and coriander seeds into a mixer grinder and powder them. Mix the chopped onions, ground cumin and coriander and finely chopped mint leaves in a bowl, and keep it aside.
STEP 8. After 15 – 20 minutes brush the bread with olive oil and sprinkle the onion mixture evenly on top of the bread. Bake it for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve it warm.
NOTE: You can add 1/2 teaspoon to 3/4 teaspoon of salt, depending on your taste.
You can also use other oils like corn oil or sunflower oil for brushing the bread.
STEP BY STEP PICTURES
Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water and keep it in a warm place .
The yeast is ready to use.
Sift together, the salt and flour. Make a well in the center of the flour.
Add the yeast water.
Pour in half more cup of water and make a firm dough.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave it to rise, in a warm place for about one hour .
The dough has doubled in size.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
Transfer each part on to a lightly floured surface.
Roll them into 5 – 6 inch rounds.
Prick all over using a fork.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and keep them well apart. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise for 15 to 20 minutes. After 15 to 20 minutes brush them with oil.
Sprinkle the onion mixture evenly on top of the bread.
Bake it for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve it warm.
