Kaak Halabi (Aleppo Sesame Bread Rings)

Name: Kaak Halabi (Aleppo Sesame Bread Rings)
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Syria
Ingredients: Bread flour — 375 g (3 cups); Instant yeast — 1 1/2 tsp; Salt — 1 tsp; Sugar — 25 g (2 tbsp); Vegetable oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp); Warm water — 240 ml (1 cup); Sesame seeds — 75 g (1/2 cup); Date molasses (dibs), diluted with water, for coating — 30 ml (2 tbsp)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Bread flour — 375 g (3 cups)
Instant yeast — 1 1/2 tsp
Salt — 1 tsp
Sugar — 25 g (2 tbsp)
Vegetable oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
Warm water — 240 ml (1 cup)
Sesame seeds — 75 g (1/2 cup)
Date molasses (dibs), diluted with water, for coating — 30 ml (2 tbsp)

Method

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Mix in the flour, salt and oil to form a smooth, firm dough, and knead for 8 minutes.
Cover and prove for 45 minutes until doubled in size.
Divide into 8 pieces, roll each into a rope about 25 cm (10 inches) long, and join the ends to form a ring.
Dip each ring in the diluted date molasses, then press into sesame seeds to coat generously.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18-20 minutes until deep golden and crisp.

Introduction: These crunchy sesame-crusted bread rings are sold by street vendors across Syrian cities, especially popular in the morning alongside a cup of tea or a wedge of cheese, and are a nostalgic taste of Syrian city life.

Cultural Background: These crunchy sesame-crusted bread rings are sold by street vendors across Syrian cities, especially popular in the morning alongside a cup of tea or a wedge of cheese, and are a nostalgic taste of Syrian city life.

Tips: Press the rings firmly into the sesame seeds so they adhere well during baking. For extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer until deeply golden.

Variations: Add a pinch of mahlab or anise to the dough for extra fragrance. Make smaller rings for bite-sized snacks.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Warm briefly in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs:

Q: What is dibs?

A: Dibs is date or grape molasses, used here to give the bread rings their glossy, slightly sweet crust.

Q: Can these be made without sesame?

A: Sesame is traditional, but nigella seeds can be used as an alternative topping.