Leb

Leb Recipe - Authentic Macedonian Cuisine

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Leb is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread that is soft, fluffy, and perfect for dipping in hummus or scooping up your favorite Mediterranean dishes. This recipe is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.

History

Leb has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It is often served alongside dishes like falafel, kebabs, and tabbouleh, and is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Ingredients

1 tsp of active dry yeast
3.5 cups of flour
1.25 cups of warm water
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of sugar

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of flour with yeast.
Combine water, oil, salt, and sugar, and add to the yeast mixture.
Beat for 0.5 minute using an electric mixer on low speed, then beat for 3 minutes on high speed.
Work in the remaining flour by hand until a smooth and elastic dough forms.
Place the dough in a greased bowl in a warm spot, cover it, and let it rise for 45 minutes.
Punch the dough down, divide it into 12 pieces, and roll each piece into a ball.
Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Flatten each ball into a 5-inch circle.
Place the circles on a greased baking sheet, cover them, and let them rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Bake the circles for 9 to 10 minutes, until they are puffed and lightly browned on the bottom.
Immediately wrap the circles in foil and let them cool.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, za'atar, or sesame seeds. You can also brush the bread with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before baking for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Leb turns out soft and fluffy, be sure to let the dough rise for the full 45 minutes. This will allow the yeast to activate and create air pockets in the bread, giving it that characteristic texture. Additionally, be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking the bread to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Leb alongside your favorite Middle Eastern dishes, such as hummus, baba ganoush, or grilled meats. It also makes a great base for sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Leb is to let the dough rise properly and to bake the bread at a high temperature for a short amount of time. This will ensure that the bread is soft and fluffy with a slightly crispy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Leb ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking the bread.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Leb on a platter with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also stack the bread in a basket for a more casual serving option.

Pairing Recommendations

Leb pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and creamy dips. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Leb in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Leb contains approximately 150 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a bread.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Leb contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

There are about 3 grams of fat in each serving of Leb, with most of the fat coming from the olive oil used in the recipe.

Proteins

Leb contains around 5 grams of protein per serving, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

This bread is a good source of iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are important minerals for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour, so it is not suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Overall, Leb is a nutritious and delicious bread that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Leb is a delicious and versatile bread that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy this traditional Middle Eastern flatbread with your favorite dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the hills of Lebanon. My grandmother, a wise and skilled cook, was the one who introduced me to the art of making Leb, a traditional Lebanese dish that has been passed down through generations in our family.

I remember watching in awe as my grandmother effortlessly prepared the ingredients for Leb. She carefully diced onions, chopped garlic, and minced parsley with a precision that only years of practice could bring. As the fragrant aroma of the spices filled the air, I knew that this dish would be something special.

As she cooked, my grandmother shared stories of how she had learned to make Leb from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. Each generation had added their own unique touch to the recipe, creating a dish that was not only delicious, but also a symbol of our family's heritage.

I was captivated by the way my grandmother moved around the kitchen, her hands moving with a grace and skill that only comes from years of experience. She would taste the sauce, adjusting the seasonings with a confident hand, until it was just right. And when she finally served the dish, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I watched and learned as my grandmother cooked Leb time and time again. I would help her chop the vegetables, stir the sauce, and roll out the dough for the flatbread that accompanied the dish. And slowly but surely, I began to master the art of making Leb myself.

I learned that the key to a good Leb lies in the quality of the ingredients. Fresh vegetables, tender lamb, and a mix of aromatic spices are essential to creating a dish that is rich in flavor and texture. I also discovered that patience is key when cooking Leb – the longer you let the flavors meld together, the more delicious the final dish will be.

As I grew older, I began to add my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and herbs to create a Leb that was uniquely mine. And while my grandmother's version will always hold a special place in my heart, I take pride in knowing that I have taken the tradition of making Leb and made it my own.

Today, whenever I cook Leb for my own family, I am reminded of the love and care that my grandmother put into every dish she made. And I am grateful for the memories of those days in the kitchen, watching and learning from a woman who was not only a talented cook, but also a source of wisdom and strength.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Leb, surrounded by my loved ones, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the traditions that have been passed down to me. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this recipe with future generations, the legacy of my grandmother's Leb will live on.