Denise says:

This tasty round bread is delicious with soup, stews, tagines, and dips or as a snack with your favourite spread. Originating from the Middle East, it is similar to pita bread but with a sesame seed topping. Cumin seeds, poppy seeds and black sesame seeds make excellent alternatives. The puffy round loaves freeze well; make double the quantity and keep the extra for another time.

Did you know? Sesame is an annual plant grown in hot countries for its seeds from which odourless light-coloured oil is extracted. Sesame seeds have a more pronounced flavoured when toasted.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour for rising
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 loaves

Ingredients:

500g strong white flour
100ml warm water
1 tablespoon salt
7g dried yeast (1 sachet)
1 teaspoon sugar

2 egg yolks – for glazing
4 tablespoons sesame seeds

Method

1) Dilute the yeast in the warm water. Stir in the sugar and leave for 5 minutes.
2) Place the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the diluted yeast and mix the dough adding more water so that it forms a round ball. Add more flour if it is too sticky.
3) Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and shape into 4 rounds.
4) Glaze with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5) Line an oven tray with baking parchment paper. Place the round loaves on the baking tray and cover. Leave to rise for 1 hour.
6) Pre-heat the oven to 200C/400F/ Gas mark 6.
7) Bake for 30 minutes or until golden.