Middle Eastern Semolina and Saffron Bread

Transport your taste buds straight to the bustling markets of the Middle East with this aromatic Middle Eastern Semolina and Saffron Bread. Crafted with a harmonious blend of semolina and all-purpose flour, this bread boasts a soft, golden crumb infused with the luxurious aroma and vibrant hue of saffron threads. The dough is enriched with warm milk and olive oil, creating a rich, tender texture that’s perfect for pairing with savory dips, hearty stews, or simply enjoyed on its own. A sprinkling of sesame seeds adds a delightful nutty crunch to the crust, while the simple yeast-based preparation ensures a beautifully airy rise. Whether shaped into a show-stopping loaf or bite-sized rolls, this bread is a must-bake for anyone eager to explore the flavors of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or an everyday treat, this recipe is a delicious celebration of culinary artistry.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 350 g semolina flour
• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 7 g active dry yeast
• 250 ml warm water
• 100 ml whole milk
• 1 large pinch saffron threads
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in the warm water for 10 minutes to release their color and flavor.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3

Dissolve the active dry yeast in the saffron-infused water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Step 4

Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, along with the milk and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8

Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf, or divide it into smaller rolls, as desired. Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9

Brush the top of the loaf with a little water or milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.

Step 10

Allow the shaped bread to rise for another 30 minutes, uncovered.

Step 11

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(945.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2420.2

Total Fat 59.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 12.4mg	0%
Sodium 3592.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 390.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.4g	0%
Total Sugars 19.4g
Protein 69.2g	0%

Vitamin D 45.4IU	0%
Calcium 385.6mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 1194.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.6%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 65.7%