Syrian Bread, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, is known for its soft texture and subtle flavor profile. This bread is versatile and often served alongside dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, or incorporated into wraps and sandwiches. The preparation involves a simple dough made from basic ingredients such as water, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Utilizing a bread machine streamlines the mixing and proving process, making it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. Baking at a high temperature ensures the bread puffs up beautifully, creating delightful pockets within the bread. This recipe's quick cook time makes it convenient for fresh, homemade bread anytime. Pair it with grilled meats, fresh salads, or use it as a base for traditional Middle Eastern mezzes for a truly authentic experience.
Instructions
Begin by placing all the ingredients into your bread machine's pan, following the manufacturer's recommended sequence of ingredients to ensure optimal mixing and rising. Choose the Dough cycle and press Start to let the machine do the work of kneading and proofing. While the dough nears the end of its cycle, preheat your oven to a hot 475°F (245°C) to ensure a perfect bake with that signature puff and golden crust. Once the dough is ready, gently turn it out onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into eight equal portions, and carefully shape each into a round ball. Cover them with a damp cloth, which helps to keep the dough moist during the resting phase, allowing the gluten to relax. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin circle about 8 inches in diameter, aiming for uniform thickness to promote even cooking. Place two rolled dough rounds at a time onto preheated baking sheets or a baking stone in the oven. Bake until the breads puff up delightfully and turn a warm, golden brown hue—this typically takes about five minutes. Repeat the baking process with the remaining dough rounds. For best results, serve the bread fresh from the oven paired with your favorite dips or as a wrap for savory fillings. If you don't have a bread machine, you can knead the dough by hand and allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled in size before proceeding with the rolling and baking steps.
