Khobz
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Bread flour — 4 cups (500 g / 1 lb 2 oz)
- Warm water — 1.5 cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz)
- Active dry yeast — 2 tsp
- Salt — 2 tsp
- Semolina, for dusting — 2 tbsp
Method
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl, then add the yeast mixture.
- Mix and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 2 portions and shape each into a flat, round disc.
- Dust with semolina, place on a baking tray, and let rise for a further 25 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Introduction: A round, slightly dense wheat bread with a soft crumb, the essential daily bread found on every Moroccan table.
Cultural Background: Khobz is baked fresh daily across Morocco, whether at home or brought to a communal neighbourhood oven, and it plays a functional role at every meal, used to scoop up tagines and salads in place of cutlery.
Tips: Dusting with semolina before baking gives the bread its characteristic slightly textured crust. Let the bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.
Variations: Add a spoonful of whole wheat flour for a heartier, more rustic loaf. Shape into smaller individual rounds for a quicker bake.
Storage: Store at room temperature wrapped in a cloth for up to 1 day; freeze for longer storage.
Reheating: Warm in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes to refresh.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx., 1 slice): 170 kcal, 5 g protein, 1 g fat, 34 g carbohydrate.
FAQs:
Q: Is khobz eaten with every meal?
A: Yes, it’s a functional staple used to scoop food and mop up
Q: Can khobz be baked in a communal oven?
A: Traditionally yes, many neighbourhoods still have a
- Bread flour — 4 cups (500 g / 1 lb 2 oz)
- Warm water — 1.5 cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz)
- Active dry yeast — 2 tsp
- Salt — 2 tsp
- Semolina, for dusting — 2 tbsp
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