Barbari bread is one of the traditional, popular, and widely consumed breads in Iran, primarily enjoyed during breakfast and dinner as one of the main options. This delicious and flavorful bread is commonly found in many Iranian homes and restaurants. Interestingly, the name “Barbari” is derived from the Barbar tribe, which once lived along the border between Iran and Afghanistan. With its delightful taste and unique characteristics, Barbari is considered one of the favorite breads in Iran.

The Barbari bread reminds me of my Aunt Mehri, may she rest in peace. Every time we visited her house, she would buy fresh Barbari bread for breakfast and, with a heart full of love, prepare a delicious breakfast for us.

Features of Barbari Bread: High Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

One of the prominent features of Barbari bread is its high nutritional value. This bread, rich in bran, is a good source of fiber and can aid in improving digestive system function. Additionally, due to the use of high-quality wheat flour, Barbari bread provides the energy needed by the body and is recognized as part of a healthy and balanced diet. The fiber content in this bread is particularly beneficial for digestive health, helping to regulate the digestive system.

Preparation and Appearance of Barbari Bread

This bread is typically baked in large sizes and comes in oval or rectangular shapes. The surface of Barbari bread is decorated with distinctive lines, which not only enhance its appearance but also contribute to even baking. Due to its soft and delicious texture, Barbari is an excellent choice to accompany a variety of dishes, cheeses, vegetables, or even enjoyed simply with butter and honey.

Barbari Bread: A Perfect Choice for Any Meal

With its soft texture and unmatched flavor, Barbari bread makes an ideal option for breakfast and dinner. This traditional and tasty bread not only pairs well with Iranian dishes, but it can also be served as a delightful snack or as a main bread alongside any type of meal.

Barbari bread is not only valued for its taste but also for its significant nutritional benefits, placing it among the healthiest and most popular breads.

Ingredients

• 350g wheat flour (2.5 cups)
• Dough improver (optional): ½ teaspoon
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 20g butter
• 30g oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How to Bake Barbari Bread with Yeast

Step 1

First, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar in a suitable bowl and mix well until smooth. Then cover the bowl and let the yeast activate for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.

Step 2

Choose a large, deep bowl and add half of the flour along with the dough improver, oil, activated yeast mixture, and salt. Mix well until smooth. Then gradually add the remaining flour until the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3 

Once the dough has come together, add the softened butter (which should have been removed from the fridge beforehand) and knead a little until the butter is fully absorbed into the dough. The dough should be slightly sticky, but not dry or overly floury.

Step 4

Grease a deep bowl that is twice the size of the dough with a little oil and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place a clean cloth over it. Then, place the bowl in a warm spot to allow the dough to rise.

Step 5

After an hour and a half, knead the dough lightly on a flat surface to release the air trapped inside. Then, divide the dough into two portions and flatten each one into an oval shape using a rolling pin or your hands

Step 6

Now, use your hands to create lines on the surface of the dough and place the loaves on a baking tray. Cover them with a clean plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Let the dough rest for another 30 minutes in its flattened shape on the tray.

Step 7

After 30 minutes, create lines on the dough again with your hands. Then, brush the glaze (romal), and if desired, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) for 20 minutes to ensure it is fully heated. Place the dough on a baking tray lined with wheat bran to prevent the bread from sticking.

Step 8

To create steam in the oven, fill a metal bowl with boiling water and place it inside the oven. Bake the bread for 25 minutes until fully cooked. If the tops of the bread don’t brown, turn on the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.

Step 9

Once the Barbari bread is fully baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the bread cool for a few minutes. Then, use scissors to cut the bread into smaller pieces. To prevent the bread from drying out, place it in a plastic bag.

How to Make Barbari Bread Glaze

Bakeries use a mixture of water and flour for the glaze. To prepare the glaze, heat 4 tablespoons of water with ½ teaspoon of flour in a pan over medium heat until it thickens slightly. Then, use this mixture as the glaze for Barbari bread.

Barbari Bread for Breakfast

If you want to make fresh Barbari bread for breakfast, once the dough is ready, there’s no need to let it rest. Immediately place it in a greased container, cover it with plastic wrap, and then refrigerate it.

In the morning, simply take the dough out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow it to come to the same temperature as the surroundings. Once the dough has reached room temperature, divide it into two portions and proceed with the remaining steps as usual.

Important Tips for Baking Barbari Bread

• Hydrating the Dough: Achieving the right amount of water in the dough is essential for making perfect Barbari bread. Start by gradually adding water to the flour mixture and knead until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. Add more water or flour as needed to reach the desired texture.
• Kneading and Resting the Dough: After kneading, the dough should be allowed to rest until it doubles in size, which usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the room temperature. To prevent the dough from drying out, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
• Baking with Precision: Place the prepared dough on a hot baking surface in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown.
• Cooling the Bread: After baking, place the Barbari bread on a wire rack or a clean kitchen towel to cool. This helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy and ensures it stays crisp.