Emirati Khameer Bread Recipe
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
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
- Activate Yeast: Gently mix the warm date water with instant yeast in a small bowl using a spoon. Let it sit briefly to activate.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, brown sugar, and cardamom powder.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush each flatbread with egg yolk and generously sprinkle with sesame seeds and black cumin seeds.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F). Place the oven rack on the upper level for optimal baking and crisping.
- 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.
- 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