Ingredients
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2 teaspoons active dry yeast
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8 ounces tepid water (more or less depending on your bread machine and or or the type of flour you use)
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7 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons sugar
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2 teaspoons salt
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3 cups unbleached white flour
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2 -3 tablespoons za'atar spice mix, to taste (homemade is best)
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1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- MANUAL: Dissolve the yeast in 3 tablespoons tepid water. Next add the egg, 4 tablespoons olive oil and the sugar. In large bowl combine the flour and salt. Gradually stir in the yeast mixture and add the tepid water, enough to make a dough ball. On a floured surface, knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Put dough in an oversized bag and allow to rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes. *Proceed with recipe where indicated.
- BREAD MACHINE: Add all ingredients to the bread machine according to manufacturer's instructions EXCEPT for the za'atar and add ONLY 4 tablespoons of the olive oil. Once dough is done, remove from bread pan and place dough in an oversized plastic bag in a bowl. Allow to proof in a warm area for about 45 minutes.
- *Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Divide the dough into six pieces. On a floured cutting board shape each piece of dough to form an oblong.
- Arrange the oblongs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic (cling) wrap and leave for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the za'atar. Brush the mixture evenly over each bread loaf, pressing gently into the dough making "dimple" patterns with your fingers.
- Bake for 10 minutes. While waiting for bread to bake, belly dance.
- Serve warm.