Iranian Barbari Bread

The right bread to serve with a Middle Eastern meal. The sesame seeds (barbari in Iran) and the oil give the bread its delicate flavor.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 2 breads

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1  cup  lukewarm water
• 2  tablespoons  salad oil (not olive oil)
• 3 -3 1⁄2 cups all-purpose white flour
• 2  tablespoons  melted butter
• 2  tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Add the salad oil and stir. Add the flour a little at a time, stirring and mixing until you have a well blended, manageable dough.
2. Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl, cover, and place in a warm area to rise for 1 hour.
3. Take the dough, knead it a couple of times and divide in two. Oil 2 baking sheets, and with your hands flatten the shape the 2 pieces of dough into 2 oblong loaves, 1/4 inch thick. With the edge of your hand make 3 ridges lengthwise on the surface of the dough.
4. Brush with the melted butter and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden. Serve warm immediately. Or, later, reheat the breads by wrapping them in foil and placing in a hot oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Yield: 2 breads. Do not freeze.
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