Lebanese Basic Dough
Lebanese Basic Dough Recipe - Authentic Recipe from Lebanon
Introduction
Lebanese Basic Dough is a versatile and essential recipe in Lebanese cuisine. This dough is used to make a variety of traditional Lebanese dishes such as flatbreads, pies, and pastries. It is easy to make and requires simple ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens.
History
Lebanese Basic Dough has been a staple in Lebanese cuisine for generations. It is a fundamental recipe that has been passed down from one generation to the next. The dough is traditionally made by hand, using simple ingredients like flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It is a versatile dough that can be used to make a wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet.
Ingredients
- 5 cups plain flour
- 1.25 cups tepid water
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
How to prepare
- Sift the flour onto a working surface.
- Mix in salt and sugar.
- Create a well in the center.
- Pour olive oil and vegetable oil into the well.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients into the liquid.
- Gradually add water.
- Knead the dough into a ball (if the dough is too stiff, add some water).
- Knead the dough on a floured working surface until it is smooth and elastic. This can be done using an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook or a food processor.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly floured bowl, covered with a damp cloth.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which takes about 6 hours.
Variations
- Add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
- Substitute some of the water with yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to sift the flour before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and lump-free dough.
- Knead the dough well to develop the gluten and achieve a smooth and elastic texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size and becomes light and airy.
- Use a damp cloth to cover the dough while it rises to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Lebanese Basic Dough can be used to make a variety of dishes such as flatbreads, pies, and pastries. Serve it with your favorite dips, salads, or grilled meats for a delicious meal.
Cooking Techniques
Knead the dough well to develop the gluten and achieve a smooth texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to double in size before using it in recipes.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegetable oil instead of olive oil for a milder flavor.
- Substitute honey for sugar for a slightly sweeter dough.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the Lebanese Basic Dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before using it in recipes.
Presentation Ideas
Shape the dough into rounds or ovals before baking to create a visually appealing dish. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds or herbs for added flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Lebanese Basic Dough pairs well with a variety of dishes such as hummus, baba ganoush, grilled meats, and salads. Serve it with a side of olives and pickles for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Lebanese Basic Dough in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warm and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Lebanese Basic Dough contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Lebanese Basic Dough contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Lebanese Basic Dough contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Lebanese Basic Dough contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Lebanese Basic Dough is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
Lebanese Basic Dough contains gluten from the flour. It may also contain traces of nuts if prepared in a kitchen that handles nuts.
Summary
Lebanese Basic Dough is a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a small amount of proteins. It is a calorie-dense food that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Lebanese Basic Dough is a versatile and essential recipe in Lebanese cuisine. It is easy to make and can be used to create a wide range of dishes. With simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy delicious homemade Lebanese dishes with this versatile dough.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Lebanese Basic Dough. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Lebanon. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for our family.
As we worked together, she began to teach me the basics of Lebanese cuisine – the flavors, the techniques, and the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. But it was the recipe for the basic dough that captured my attention the most.
My grandmother explained that this dough was the foundation for many Lebanese dishes, from savory pies to sweet pastries. She showed me how to mix the flour, water, yeast, and salt together, kneading the dough until it was smooth and elastic. As she worked, her hands moved with a fluid grace, a testament to the years of practice and experience she had acquired in the kitchen.
I watched in awe as she shaped the dough into small balls, covering them with a damp cloth to let them rest and rise. While we waited, she shared stories of her own childhood, of learning to cook from her own grandmother and the joy it brought her to pass on those traditions to me.
When the dough had doubled in size, my grandmother showed me how to roll it out into thin circles, perfect for filling with a variety of ingredients. We made savory pies filled with spiced lamb and pine nuts, sweet pastries stuffed with dates and nuts, and even simple flatbreads to accompany our meals.
As we baked, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. My grandmother's eyes sparkled with pride as she watched me take my first bite of a piping hot pie, the flavors exploding on my taste buds in a symphony of spices and textures.
From that moment on, I was hooked. I spent hours in the kitchen with my grandmother, soaking up every bit of knowledge she had to offer. I learned to make not only the basic dough, but a whole array of Lebanese dishes, each one more delicious than the last.
Years passed, and I eventually left Lebanon to start a new life in a distant land. But I carried with me the memories and the recipes that my grandmother had shared with me. I continued to cook and bake, using her teachings as my guide, and sharing the flavors of Lebanon with my own family and friends.
Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift my grandmother gave me all those years ago. The recipe for Lebanese Basic Dough is not just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today.
And so, as I prepare a batch of dough for tonight's dinner, I say a silent thank you to my grandmother, wherever she may be. Her spirit lives on in every bite of food I make, a timeless reminder of the power of family, love, and good cooking.