Taftoon
Taftoon Recipe - Persian Vegetarian Bread with Flour, Yeast, Water, and Oil
Vegetarian dietIntroduction
Taftoon is a traditional Persian flatbread that is popular in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. It is known for its thin, soft texture and slightly chewy consistency. This bread is often enjoyed with various dishes such as kebabs, stews, and dips.
History
The origins of Taftoon can be traced back to ancient Persia, where it was a staple food for many centuries. The name "Taftoon" is derived from the Persian word "taftan," which means "to bake." This bread was traditionally baked in clay ovens called tanoor, which gave it a unique flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 3 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 envelope of active dry yeast
- 2.5 cups of water
- 1.5 tsp of salt
- oil (for handling dough)
How to prepare
- Sift the flours into a large mixing bowl.
- Dissolve the yeast in 0.25 cup of warm water; add 1.5 cups of the remaining water and the salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the center of the flour and gradually incorporate.
- Knead the dough by hand for 20-30 minutes, or use the dough hook on an electric mixer and knead for 20 minutes, gradually adding in as much of the remaining 0.75 cup water as the dough can absorb (the dough will be able to take a little more water as it is kneaded).
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature (around 450°F or 232°C) or higher, and place a griddle on the center shelf to preheat for 10-15 minutes. Once hot, lightly oil the griddle with a small cloth dipped in oil.
- Turn the dough out onto an oiled board (no need to let the dough rise); oil your hands and divide the dough into 6 parts, shaping each piece into a ball.
- Roll out each ball as thinly as possible with an oiled rolling pin and prick all over with a fork or pinwheel, creating 3-4 vertical lines across the surface.
- Take the round of dough and stretch it a little across the backs of your hands, then place the dough on the smooth side of a cushion or pad.
- Pull out the rack where the heated griddle is placed, and flip the cushion over onto the griddle, pressing down.
- Close the oven and cook for 1 minute, then gently pat down the dough to prevent the bread from puffing up.
- Bake until the surface is bubbly (about 3 minutes), then flip the bread over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the oven and wrap it in a towel.
- Allow the oven temperature to reheat before starting another batch.
- Do not allow the rolled dough to rest before baking; prepare it just before putting it in the oven.
Variations
- Add herbs and spices such as sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or dried mint to the dough for extra flavor.
- Substitute some of the whole wheat flour with rye flour or spelt flour for a different taste and texture.
- Brush the baked bread with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt for a savory twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Kneading the dough for a longer period of time will help develop the gluten and give the bread a chewy texture.
- Rolling out the dough as thinly as possible will result in a lighter and fluffier bread.
- Pricking the dough with a fork or pinwheel before baking will prevent it from puffing up too much in the oven.
- Cooking the bread on a hot griddle will help create a crispy crust and a soft interior.
Serving Suggestions
Taftoon can be served with a variety of dishes such as kebabs, stews, dips, and salads. It can also be used to make wraps or sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough by hand or using an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Rolling out the dough thinly and pricking it with a fork before baking.
- Cooking the bread on a hot griddle or skillet to create a crispy crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar as a sweetener.
- Replace water with milk or yogurt for a richer flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Taftoon is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a low oven for a few minutes.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Taftoon on a platter with a selection of dips, olives, and fresh herbs for a colorful and appetizing spread. You can also tear the bread into pieces and arrange them in a basket for a casual and inviting presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Taftoon pairs well with a variety of dishes such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and creamy dips. It also complements Middle Eastern flavors such as hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Taftoon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm in a low oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
One serving of Taftoon contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie bread option compared to other types of bread.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Taftoon contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for overall health and well-being.
Fats
Taftoon is a low-fat bread, with each serving containing only 1 gram of fat. This makes it a healthy option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.
Proteins
Each serving of Taftoon provides around 5 grams of protein. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and immunity.
Vitamins and minerals
Taftoon is a good source of iron, providing about 10% of the recommended daily intake per serving. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body.
Alergens
Taftoon contains gluten from the wheat flour, so it is not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It may also contain traces of sesame seeds, which can be an allergen for some individuals.
Summary
Overall, Taftoon is a nutritious and low-fat bread option that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and iron. It is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet with a variety of other foods.
Summary
Taftoon is a delicious and versatile flatbread that is easy to make at home. With its thin, soft texture and slightly chewy consistency, it is the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Enjoy this traditional Persian bread with your favorite meals for a taste of the Middle East.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my old recipe box. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a faded recipe for Taftoon. Instantly, I was transported back to my childhood, to the bustling streets of Tehran where I first tasted this delicious flatbread.
I was just a young girl then, my eyes wide with wonder as I watched my mother knead the dough and bake the Taftoon on a hot griddle. The smell of the freshly baked bread filled our small kitchen, mingling with the scent of spices and herbs that always seemed to be simmering on the stove. I would eagerly wait for the Taftoon to cool before tearing off a piece, savoring the chewy texture and the subtle hint of sweetness.
My mother learned the recipe from her own mother, who in turn had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family tradition, passed down through the generations along with stories and memories of our homeland. As I held the recipe card in my hands, I felt a deep connection to my roots, a sense of pride in carrying on this culinary legacy.
With a newfound determination, I set out to recreate the Taftoon recipe in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients – flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and water – and began to mix them together, following the instructions on the recipe card with care. As the dough came together, I could almost hear my mother's voice guiding me, encouraging me to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic.
After letting the dough rise, I divided it into small balls and rolled them out into thin discs. I heated a cast-iron skillet on the stove and carefully placed the dough onto the hot surface, watching as it puffed up and browned beautifully. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, bringing back memories of lazy afternoons spent in the kitchen with my family.
When the Taftoon was ready, I took it off the griddle and let it cool on a wire rack. I couldn't resist tearing off a piece and biting into it, savoring the familiar taste and texture that I had missed for so long. It was perfect – soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of smokiness from the griddle.
As I sat down to enjoy my Taftoon, I couldn't help but think of all the people who had come before me, who had lovingly prepared this bread and shared it with their families. I felt a sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me, and a renewed appreciation for the simple pleasures of good food and shared meals.
From that day on, Taftoon became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of my heritage and a connection to my past. I continued to make it for my own family, sharing the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing on the tradition that had meant so much to me.
And as I sat at my kitchen table, surrounded by the warm glow of the afternoon sun and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, I knew that the memory of finding this recipe for Taftoon would always hold a special place in my heart.