Moroccan Anise Bread

This is a North African (Moroccan) bread recipe that I found on the recipesource.com website. The recipe makes 2 round loaves.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 40 mins
• Serves: 12-16
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1⁄3 cups warm water
• 1  teaspoon honey or 1  teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 2 1⁄2 teaspoons anise seeds
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 4  cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
• 1  egg white
• 3  tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions

1. Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of the water. Add the honey (or sugar) and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Add the remaining water, oil, anise, salt, and 2 cups of the flour to a large bowl. Gradually stir in the remaining flour until the mixture holds together.
3. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until double in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
4. Punch down the dough and divide in half. Shape each piece into a ball, cover, and let rest for about 10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle a large baking sheet with cornmeal or fine semolina (or you can grease the baking sheet). Flatten each dough ball into a 6-inch round. Some cooks flute the outer edge, others leave it plain; it's your choice. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, cover, and let.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7. Pierce the dough around the sides with the tines of a fork or a toothpick. Beat egg whites with water, and brush the tops of the loaves with the egg white mixture. Then lightly sprinkle the top of the loaf with the sesame seeds.
8. Bake at 375° until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.