Gerdeh Bread Recipe

Gerdeh Bread of Bushehr (Traditional and Delicious Bread from Southern Iran)

Gerdeh bread is a traditional and popular bread from the Bushehr province in southern Iran, typically baked in a clay oven. The name “gerdeh” comes from its round shape. This bread has a soft, tender texture and is made from simple and easily available ingredients. It can be enjoyed with various sweets like halva, cheese, eggs, or soup (ash).

In the recipe below, you’ll learn how to make Gerdeh bread in the oven. I learned how to make this delicious bread from one of our family friends, whom we affectionately call “Aunt Sedigheh.” I hope you try making this bread and enjoy its unique taste.

How to Make Gerdeh Bushehr Bread?

Gerdeh Bushehri bread is a traditional and popular bread from Bushehr province, particularly served with main meals like lunch or dinner. Known for its use of local ingredients and unique baking method, this bread enjoys great popularity in Bushehr and other southern regions of Iran.

The recipe for Gerdeh Bushehri involves kneading flour and mixing it with simple ingredients such as salt, oil, and sometimes vegetables or spices. This bread is typically served with stews and various dishes, especially seafood like fish and shrimp. The baking process of Gerdeh Bushehri usually takes place in a clay oven or conventional oven, creating a unique flavor and a soft, delicious texture.

To prepare this tasty bread, start by mixing flour with salt, oil, and other ingredients, kneading it until a smooth and uniform dough forms. Next, shape the dough into a circle and bake it at the right temperature until perfectly cooked.

Gerdeh Bushehr is an excellent addition to any meal, offering a simple yet flavorful bread option that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, especially those featuring seafood. Its soft, tender texture and unique taste make it a beloved dish in the southern regions of Iran.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
3 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon sugar
Approximately 3 cups flour
Sesame seeds (as needed)
Butter (as needed)

Step 1

Activate Yeast for Gerdeh Bushehr Bread

To start making Gerdeh Bushehri bread, the first step is activating the yeast. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (warm enough to touch but not hot) with 1 tablespoon of sugar and mix thoroughly. Add 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast to the mixture and let it sit until the yeast activates. The mixture will begin to bubble and foam, signaling that it’s ready to proceed.

Step 2

Prepare Dough

In the second step, transfer the activated yeast mixture into a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of oil and salt, and mix well. Sift the flour and gradually add it in stages, mixing continuously until the dough starts to form. Knead the dough by hand until it becomes soft, smooth, and non-sticky. If the dough is sticky, continue adding more flour until the desired texture is achieved.

Once the dough is ready, grease the bottom of a bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap and place the bowl in a warm area to let the dough rise and double in size.

Step 3

Shape and Prepare

Once the dough has rested, knead it to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into portions the size of an orange, and roll them into smooth balls. Cover the dough balls and let them rest for another 20 minutes. Then, roll each ball with a rolling pin to a thickness of about half a centimeter on a flat surface. Using a date pit, create decorative patterns on the dough’s surface. Brush with melted butter or oil, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.

Step 4

Bake Gerdeh Bread

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the dough balls on it, ensuring enough space between each one. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 30 minutes, until the bread is fully cooked. For a golden top, turn on the broiler for 5 additional minutes. Once golden and crisp, remove the tray from the oven and enjoy your freshly baked bread.

Step 5

Serve Gerdeh Bushehri Bread

After the bread has cooled, gently remove it from the parchment paper and place it on a serving dish. Gerdeh Bushehr bread is ideal for Ramadan, whether during iftar (meal to break the fast), suhoor (pre-dawn meal), or as a delightful breakfast. It pairs wonderfully with butter, cheese, jam, or any toppings of your choice for a delicious start to your day.