Emirati Khameer Bread Recipe

Introduction

Emirati Khameer is a traditional flatbread known for its soft texture and fragrant flavor, thanks to the blend of cardamom, black cumin, and sesame seeds. This quick and easy bread pairs beautifully with cheese, eggs, or dips, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2–3/4 cup date water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup black cumin seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the warm date water with the instant yeast in a bowl, stirring gently to combine.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, brown sugar, cardamom powder, milk, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the yeast-water mixture gradually, starting with 1/2 cup.
3. Step 3: Stir the mixture gently using a wooden spoon, then begin kneading with clean hands. Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and knead until the dough is soft and stretchy.
4. Step 4: Cover the dough with a plate and let it rest for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: Divide the risen dough into 8 to 9 equal pieces and place them on a tray.
6. Step 6: Lightly flour your work surface and roll each piece into a round flatbread.
7. Step 7: Brush each flatbread with egg yolk, then sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and black cumin seeds.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).
9. Step 9: Place the flatbreads on the upper rack of the oven and bake for up to 4 minutes. When the bread starts to puff, bake for an additional minute until golden brown.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and serve warm with cheese, scrambled egg, hummus, or your favorite vegetarian dips.

Tips & Variations

• Use warm date water to activate the yeast better and add natural sweetness.
• Substitute date water with regular water or milk if unavailable, adjusting sugar to taste.
• Try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist.
• For a richer flavor, brush the flatbreads with melted butter instead of oil before baking.

Storage

Store Khameer bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, freeze the cooled breads in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a warm oven or toaster to restore softness and crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular water instead of date water?

Yes, you can replace date water with warm regular water or milk. The flavor will be slightly different, but the dough will still rise well.

How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and airy to the touch, indicating it’s ready to shape and bake.

Emirati Khameer Bread Recipe

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Emirati Khameer Bread is a traditional soft and fluffy flatbread infused with aromatic cardamom and topped with sesame and black cumin seeds. Made with date water for a subtle sweetness and baked to golden perfection, this bread pairs beautifully with cheese, scrambled eggs, hummus, or any vegetarian dip, making it a staple in Emirati cuisine.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8–9 flatbreads 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Emirati
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup date water (warm)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 egg (for brushing)

Toppings

• 1/4 cup black cumin seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: Gently mix the warm date water with instant yeast in a small bowl using a spoon. Let it sit briefly to activate.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, brown sugar, and cardamom powder.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in milk and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the dry mixture. Add the yeast-date water mixture gradually, starting with 1/2 cup, to gauge the dough consistency.
4. Mix and Knead: Stir the mixture gently using a wooden spoon, then start kneading with clean hands. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and continue kneading for several minutes until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and stretchy.
5. Proof the Dough: Cover the dough with a plate and let it rest in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
6. Divide and Shape: Once risen, divide the dough into 8 to 9 equal pieces. Dust your work surface lightly with flour and gently roll each piece into a round flatbread using a rolling pin.
7. Prepare for Baking: Brush each flatbread with egg yolk and generously sprinkle with sesame seeds and black cumin seeds.
8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Place the oven rack on the upper level for optimal baking and crisping.
9. Bake the Bread: Transfer the prepared flatbreads onto the upper rack and bake for up to 4 minutes. As the bread puffs up, let it bake for an additional minute until golden brown.
10. Serve: Remove the breads from the oven and serve warm with accompaniments like cheese, scrambled eggs, hummus, or vegetarian dips.

Notes

• Using warm date water enhances the bread’s subtle sweetness and flavor.
• Be careful not to overbake; Khameer bread should remain soft and fluffy with a light golden crust.
• Rolling the dough gently helps maintain its airy texture.
• Substitute milk with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
• Egg yolk brushing gives a beautiful sheen and helps the seeds stick to the bread.

Keywords: Emirati Khameer Bread, Emirati bread, Khameer recipe, traditional Emirati bread, Middle Eastern flatbread, cardamom bread, bread with sesame seeds, black cumin seeds bread