Khobz is a traditional Moroccan round bread, commonly served with tagines, soups, or used to scoop up dips. It has a crispy, golden crust and soft, fluffy interior. This simple recipe can be made at home with minimal ingredients, and it’s perfect for any Moroccan-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can mix with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup warm water (more if needed)
- 1 tsp baking powder (optional, for extra fluffiness)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and optional baking powder.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a clean surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round ball and flatten gently into discs (about 1-inch thick).
6. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.
7. Bake the Khobz
- Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly on the hot stone.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the khobz with tagines, salads, or as a dip for olive oil and herbs.
- Tear off chunks of the bread to scoop up stews or sauces.
Khobz is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it can be stored in a breadbox or wrapped in a cloth for a couple of days.