Khameer

Khameer Recipe - A Delicious Arabian Bread Made with Yeast and Spices

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Khameer is a traditional Middle Eastern bread that is popular in countries like Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman. It is a soft, slightly sweet bread that is often enjoyed with tea or coffee for breakfast or as a snack. The bread is typically made with a combination of wheat and all-purpose flour, eggs, sugar, and spices like fennel, saffron, and cardamom.

History

Khameer has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Yemen and has since spread to other countries in the region. The bread is often made for special occasions and celebrations, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Ingredients

1 tbsp yeast
2 cups wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 eggs
0.5 cup sugar
0.5 cup powdered milk
0.5 cup oil
1 tsp ground fennel
0.5 tsp saffron
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp salt
1.5 cups warm water
beaten egg and sesame seeds for garnish

How to prepare

Dissolve yeast in tepid water.
Put dry ingredients in a bowl, create a well in the center, and add eggs, yeast, and oil.
Add enough water to make a very thick pancake batter, whisk well, cover tightly, and place in a warm area for 10–12 minutes.
Warm a small ungreased frying pan.
Take a handful of dough and place it in the pan, patting it flat with a little water in your hand to form a round patty that is not too thick.
Heat through and when it starts to bubble, place a teaspoon of beaten egg on top and sprinkle sesame seeds over it.
When the bread begins to swell and turns brown on the bottom, remove it from the pan and place it under the grill until brown on top.
Continue in this manner with the remaining dough.

Variations

You can customize the flavor of Khameer by adding different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. You can also add nuts or dried fruits to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to dissolve the yeast in tepid water before adding it to the dry ingredients to ensure that the bread rises properly.

- Be sure to cover the dough tightly and place it in a warm area to allow it to rise for the specified time.

- When cooking the bread, make sure to pat it flat with a little water to form a round patty that is not too thick.

- Keep an eye on the bread while it is cooking to prevent it from burning, and be sure to flip it over to cook both sides evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Khameer can be enjoyed on its own or served with honey, jam, or cheese. It is also delicious when paired with tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Khameer is traditionally cooked on a stovetop in a frying pan, but you can also bake it in the oven for a slightly different texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have powdered milk, you can use regular milk instead. You can also substitute the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Khameer ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Khameer on a platter with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Khameer pairs well with savory dishes like hummus, falafel, or grilled meats. It also goes well with sweet spreads like Nutella or peanut butter.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Khameer can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Khameer contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Khameer contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Khameer contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Khameer contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Khameer is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Khameer contains wheat, eggs, and milk, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Khameer is a delicious bread that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Summary

Khameer is a delicious and versatile bread that is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish. With its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Khameer. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Yemen. My mother had always been an excellent cook, and she passed on her love for cooking to me. I spent many hours by her side in the kitchen, learning the art of making traditional Yemeni dishes.

One day, a family friend came to visit us and brought with her a basket filled with freshly baked Khameer. I had never tasted anything like it before - the bread was soft and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness from the honey drizzled on top. I was instantly hooked and begged our friend to teach me how to make it.

She smiled and agreed to show me her recipe. We spent the afternoon together in the kitchen, my hands covered in flour as I tried to knead the dough just right. Our friend patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of letting the dough rise and how to shape the bread into perfect rounds.

As the Khameer baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. Our friend showed me how to serve the Khameer with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of za'atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice mix. The combination of flavors was divine, and I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family.

From that day on, Khameer became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving compliments on how delicious it was. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Khameer for my loved ones. It became a comfort food, a reminder of my childhood and the time spent learning from my mother and our dear family friend. I taught my own children how to make Khameer, passing on the tradition to the next generation.

Now, as a grandmother, I cherish the memories of that day in the kitchen with our friend, learning how to make Khameer for the first time. I have shared the recipe with many friends and neighbors, always eager to spread the joy of this delicious bread.

So whenever I bake a fresh batch of Khameer, I am transported back to that moment of discovery, the sense of anticipation and excitement as I learned something new and wonderful. And as I watch my grandchildren enjoy the bread that I have made with love and care, I know that this recipe will continue to be a part of our family for generations to come.