Middle Eastern > Middle Eastern Breads > Saj Bread

Saj Bread with Hummus Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons za’atar
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add olive oil and warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
4. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.
5. Place circles on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, za’atar, and sumac.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, make the hummus. In a food processor, combine tahini, garlic, lemon juice, water, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
8. With the motor running, slowly add olive oil and process until creamy.
9. Transfer hummus to a bowl and stir in parsley, mint, and cilantro.
10. Serve saj bread with hummus.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 400°F
Serving Size: 8

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour.
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil.
- Za’atar can be substituted with oregano.
- Sumac can be substituted with chili powder.
- Tahini can be substituted with peanut butter.
- Parsley, mint, and cilantro can be substituted with other herbs such as basil or dill.

Variations:
- The saj bread can be topped with other ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, or tomatoes.
- The hummus can be flavored with other spices such as cayenne pepper or curry powder.

Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispier saj bread, brush with additional olive oil before baking.
- For a creamier hummus, add additional olive oil.

Storage Instructions:
Saj bread and hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Saj bread can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. Hummus can be reheated in the microwave for 1 minute.

Presentation Ideas:
Saj bread and hummus can be served on a platter with other mezze dishes such as falafel, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush.

Garnishes:
Saj bread and hummus can be garnished with additional herbs such as parsley, mint, or cilantro.

Pairings:
Saj bread and hummus can be paired with other Middle Eastern dishes such as shawarma, kofta, and kibbeh.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Saj bread and hummus can be served with a side of pita bread, couscous, or rice.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the saj bread is not crispy enough, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- If the hummus is too thick, add additional water or olive oil.

Food Safety Advice:
- Store saj bread and hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 3 days.

Food History:
Saj bread is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread that is traditionally cooked on a dome-shaped griddle called a saj. Hummus is a traditional Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.

Flavor Profiles:
Saj bread is savory and slightly nutty, while hummus is creamy and nutty.

Serving Suggestions:
Saj bread and hummus can be served as an appetizer or snack.

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Region: Middle Eastern

Taste: Crispy, Savory, Tangy, Nutty