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Emirati Khameer Bread Recipe

4.6 from 124 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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