Crusty Lebanese Street Kaak Bread

Are you looking for delicious and versatile bread to serve with your Middle Eastern cuisine? Look no further than Lebanese street kaak bread! Made with simple ingredients and topped with sesame seeds, this warm and fluffy bread pairs perfectly with hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, shawarma, grilled meats, and more. Read on for the recipe and some serving suggestions to make this bread a hit at your next meal!

It was a sunny afternoon when my girlfriend and I decided to try out a Middle Eastern restaurant in the heart of London. The aroma of spices and grilled meat hit us as soon as we walked in. The restaurant buzzed with customers enjoying their hummus plates, baba ganoush, and kebabs. We scanned the menu and ordered a mezze platter and kaak bread.

As we waited for our food, I couldn’t help but notice the open kitchen where a Lebanese man was busy kneading dough for the kaak bread. Suddenly, one of the kitchen equipment broke down, causing a delay in our order. However, the man did not let this stop him. Instead, he prepared the dough by hand and used an improvised grill to cook the bread. Watching him work, I couldn’t help but appreciate his dedication and passion for his craft.

When our food arrived, I immediately reached for the kaak bread. The bread was warm, fluffy, and had a slight crunch from the sesame seeds. It was the perfect accompaniment to the mezze platter. My girlfriend and I agreed that the kaak bread was the highlight of our meal.

Before we left, I mustered up the courage to approach the owner and begged for the recipe for the kaak bread. To my surprise, he agreed to give it to me, saying he was happy to share his love of Lebanese cuisine with others.

The ingredients used to make kaak bread are straightforward. He made the bread with flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and water. First, he added instant yeast to the flour to make the bread rise quickly. Next, he added salt for flavor, and sugar to enhance the sweetness of the bread. In addition, he added olive oil to add moisture and richness to the dough, and water to gradually form a smooth and elastic dough. He mixed these ingredients in a bowl and kneaded for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Once the dough has risen, he formed it into small rings and baked it until golden brown. The result is delicious and savory bread, perfect for snacking on the go.

Since kaak bread is versatile, you can serve it with various dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Hummus: Hummus is a classic dip made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It pairs perfectly with kaak bread and makes for a delicious and healthy snack.

Baba Ganoush: Baba Ganoush is another popular Middle Eastern dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It has a smoky flavor that goes well with the sesame seeds on the kaak bread.

Falafel: Falafel is a deep-fried ball with chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It is often served in a kaak bread sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Tabbouleh: Tabbouleh is a traditional Lebanese salad with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat. It is often served as a side dish with kaak bread.

Grilled meats: Grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb are a popular main course in Lebanese cuisine. They can be served with kaak bread on the side for a complete meal.

Labneh: Labneh is a creamy Middle Eastern cheese made from strained yogurt. It can be spread on kaak bread and topped with olive oil and za’atar for a simple and delicious snack.

Here is how I created the kaak bread at home.

Ingredients:

• 680 grams of flour (T55-T65)
• 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
• 400 milliliters of water
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar
• ¼ cup of flour for working the dough
• ½ cup of sesame seeds

How to make Lebanese street kaak bread?

1. Combine 680 grams of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
2. In another bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant yeast in 400 milliliters of water. Wait for 10 minutes for the yeast to activate.
3. Pour the water-yeast mixture into the center of the flour mixture. Within, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and combine until a homogenous dough forms. Using a hand mixer or kitchen aid, it can take up to 10 minutes to mix ingredients. Whether using one tool or the other, the process of blending ingredients is lengthy.
4. After preparing the dough, keep it in the bowl and cover it with a moist cloth. Allow it to rise for approximately an hour and a half until it doubles in size.
5. Once the dough has finished rising, lightly dust your work surface with flour and deflate the dough gently to remove any trapped air bubbles. Divide the dough into six pieces, weighing 180 and 200 grams.
6. Shape each portion of dough into an elongated oval measuring approximately 25 cm by 15 cm. Using a small biscuit mold or cup, make a hole in the upper part of each piece of dough.
7. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet and sprinkle sesame seeds generously. Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 45 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Celsius (or the maximum temperature it can reach) with the convection on and the grill placed on the lowest level. Once the oven has reached its required temperature and the dough has had a chance to rise, it’s time to bake. Place the baking tray on the grill and let it cook for 5 minutes – that’s all you need for delicious results.
9. After 5 minutes, turn on the upper heat source and let the kaak bake until golden brown. This should take no more than a couple of minutes, and you should keep the convection on.
10. Remove the kaak from the oven and place them on a cooling rack. Once they have cooled down a bit, they’re ready to enjoy delicious homemade Lebanese street bread!

I hope this article has inspired you to try making Lebanese street kaak bread at home and explore the delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making bread from scratch – with a little patience and practice; you’ll be amazed at the results you can achieve. And remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun in the kitchen, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these recipes and create something truly unique. So why not gather some friends and family, try out these recipes, and enjoy the delicious flavors and aromas of the Middle East together? Happy cooking!