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    Home » Flatbread » Khobez

    How to make Za'atar spice flavored Khobez Bread

    Published: Jan 28, 2021 · Modified: Jan 22, 2022 by Pavani · 28 Comments

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    Khobez or Khubz is the most common word for bread in Arabic. It is a yeasted flatbread that puffs up when baked/ toasted to form a really neat pocket. This version is flavored with Za'atar spice blend, which makes it extra tasty. Perfect bread to dip in olive oil or eat as is.

    Baking sheet with kitchen towel with a stack of puffy Khobez bread

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    I am always intrigued by the variety of flatbreads that different cuisines offer. Starting with Indian paratha, like this spinach and paneer stuffed paratha to Italian pizza, like this dough made with semolina.

    Today we are exploring Middle eastern flatbread. In Arabic, Khobez or Khubz is the most common word for bread. It is also known as 'aish' in Egypt and 'samoon' in Iraq.

    The basic principle or recipe of these flatbreads is the same. A soft yeasted dough, when toasted or baked, puffs up to form a pocket. It is readily available in these countries. But it is quite easy to make them at home as well.

    You only need basic pantry ingredients to make khobez. In this recipe, I added Za'atar spice blend right into the dough. That is not traditional, but it adds a lot of flavor and nutty texture.

    If you are wondering what Za'atar is!! It is a middle eastern spice blend. Made with a mix of sesame seeds, sumac (a tangy middle eastern spice powder), a herb of the thyme family whether it be Palestinian marjoram, hyssop, or wild thyme (it varies regionally). Thanks for pointing this out in the comments Yousuf.

    Recipe adapted from 'The New Middle Eastern Vegetarian' by Sally Butcher.

    Chopping board with Khobez and a green bowl with za'atar olive oil

    Ingredients

    Khobez bread needs basic pantry ingredients:

    • all purpose flour - whole wheat flour can be used to add some fiber
    • instant yeast
    • sugar
    • salt
    • olive oil
    • za'atar - optional ingredient, but adds lot of flavor (recipe included in the card below)
    Ingredients needed - details in recipe card

    Instructions

    Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk well to combine.

    Dry ingredients being added to a mixing bowl

    Add oil and ¾ cup of water. Mix and knead to make a soft, pliable dough. Add more water as needed to get the desired consistency.

    Za'atar, oil and water added to flour and yeast

    Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and set aside to rise for 1~1½hours. I used the Instant Pot to proof the dough. Use the 'Yogurt' setting on low and set it for 1½ hour. Use a glass lid.

    Flatbread Dough placed in an  Instant pot for proofing

    Divide the dough into 8 big or 12 smaller pieces. Roll them into a ball and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover with a clean dish towel and set aside for 20~30 minutes.

    Preheat the oven to the maximum 475~500°F. Place a pizza stone or a lightly greased baking sheet in the oven too.*

    Proofed dough, divided into equal pieces and rolled into balls

    Roll the dough balls into ¼" thick 6~7" rounds. Place them on lightly floured baking sheet. Carefully slide 1 or 2 dough rounds onto the preheated pizza stone or baking stone. Bake for 4~6 minutes or until khobez puffs up and is lightly golden in color.

    Remove the cooked khubz and repeat with the remaining dough. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Dough rolled out into 6~7" discs baked until golden

    How to serve Khubz

    These Lebanese khubz bread is soft and fluffy. It is great to dip in olive oil and more za'atar. Also great to make a sandwich wrap. I made a roasted veggie wrap with eggplant, zucchini and onions.

    Here are some more ideas: hummus, falafel, lettuce, roasted veggies, guacamole etc.

    Hand holding a sandwich wrap with roasted veggies

    Tips

    • Feel free to omit adding za'atar to the dough. I recommend it because it adds lots of flavor to the bread itself.
    • Store bought za'atar spice blend can be used instead of making it at home.
    • Substitute some of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour. I use 1½ cups of whole wheat flour and 2½ cups of APF.
    • Alternately khobez can also be made on the stovetop.
      • Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat. Place the rolled out flatbread on the hot pan and cook till light brown spots start to form on the bottom, about 2~3 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until cooked, about 2 more minutes.
      • Keep the cooked bread warm wrapped in kitchen towel, while you cook the rest of the dough.
    • Leftover khobz keep well wrapped for up to 3 days at room temperature. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
    Hand holding a piece of khobez with oil dripping into a green bowl

    Few more yeast bread recipes to try

    • Ancient grains sandwich bread
    • Chocolate yeast bread
    • Hokkaido milk bread
    • Sourdough banana bread
    • Milk Bun
    • Cinnamon sugar pull apart bread
    Khobez

    I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

    Khobez

    Khobez or Arabic flatbread is made in the oven and they are very similar to pita bread. They are soft and fluffy and are great for sandwich wraps.
    Author: Pavani
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 30 minutes mins
    Rising Time:: 2 hours hrs
    Total Time: 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
    Course: bread
    Cuisine: arabic, middle eastern
    Servings: 12 Breads

    Ingredients

    Za'atar Spice blend (Optional):*

    • 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme
    • 2 teaspoons Cumin seeds
    • 2 teaspoons Coriander seeds
    • 2 teaspoons Sumac
    • 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame seeds
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt

    For the Dough:

    • 4 cups (600 grams) All purpose flour*
    • 2¼ teaspoons (7 grams) Instant Yeast
    • ½ teaspoon Sugar
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 2 tablespoons Za'atar, optional but highly recommended
    • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
    • 1~1¼ cups Lukewarm Water
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    Make Za'atar Spice blend:

    • Combine all the spices under spice blend in a small bowl. Mix well and store in an airtight container. Use as needed.
      2 teaspoons Dried Thyme, 2 teaspoons Cumin seeds, 2 teaspoons Coriander seeds, 2 teaspoons Sumac, 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame seeds, ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt

    Make Khobez:

    • Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk well to combine.
      4 cups (600 grams) All purpose flour*, 2¼ teaspoons (7 grams) Instant Yeast, ½ teaspoon Sugar, 1 teaspoon Salt, 2 tablespoons Za'atar, optional but highly recommended
    • Add oil and ¾ cup of water. Mix and knead to make a soft, pliable dough. Add more water as needed to get the desired consistency. Knead for about 7~8 minutes in a stand mixer and 10~12 minutes by hand.
      2 tablespoons Olive Oil
    • Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and set aside to rise for 1~1½hours.
    • Divide the dough into 8 big or 12 smaller pieces. Roll them into a ball and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover with a clean dish towel and set aside for 20~30 minutes.
    • Preheat the oven to the maximum 475~500°F. Place a pizza stone or a lightly greased baking sheet in the oven too.*
    • Roll the dough balls into ¼" thick rounds.
    • Carefully slide 1 or 2 dough rounds onto the preheated pizza stone or baking stone. Bake for 4~6 minutes or until khobez puffs up and is lightly golden in color.
    • Remove the cooked flatbread and repeat with the remaining dough. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    Notes

    • Feel free to omit adding za'atar to the dough. I recommend it because it adds lots of flavor to the bread itself.
    • Store bought za'atar spice blend can be used instead.
    • Substitute some of the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour. I use 1½ cups of whole wheat flour and 2½ cups of APF.
    • Alternately khobez can also be made on the stovetop.
      • Heat a skillet or griddle on medium heat. Place the rolled out flatbread on the hot pan and cook till light brown spots start to form on the bottom, about 2~3 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side until cooked, about 2 more minutes.
      • Keep the cooked bread warm wrapped in kitchen towel, while you cook the rest of the dough.
    • Leftover khobz keep well wrapped for up to 3 days at room temperature. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Khobez | Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 304mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooks_hideout or tag #cookshideout!

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    Comments

    1. Cali Cuisine

      June 09, 2015 at 9:48 am

      I have made flatbread with zaatar + olive oil paste smudged on the dough prior to baking many, many times and would have never thought to add zaatar to the dough. Brilliant! Your flatbread looks delicious and I like your sandwich wrap suggestion. Good work!

      Reply
    2. Renee Dobbs

      June 09, 2015 at 12:03 pm

      Looks wonderful!

      Reply
    3. Jennifer Field

      June 09, 2015 at 12:53 pm

      Delicious! The addition of za'atar is always welcome. =)

      Reply
    4. Karen Kerr

      June 09, 2015 at 3:52 pm

      This za'atar looks so beautiful, and your photography is perfection! Wonderful bread!

      Reply
    5. shilpi prasad

      June 09, 2015 at 8:34 pm

      Wow, sounds yumm..

      Reply
    6. Wendy Klik

      June 09, 2015 at 10:10 pm

      I like that you baked the spices right into the bread. Lovely.

      Reply
    7. Cindy Kerschner

      June 09, 2015 at 11:52 pm

      I love the mix of herbs and spices in these breads!

      Reply
    8. Holly @ abakershouse.com

      June 10, 2015 at 4:10 am

      Beautiful! Do you prefer this on the stovetop or done by baking in the oven? I hope to experiment with both next time to see which results I like better. Yours looks just perfect!

      Reply
    9. Georgina K.

      June 10, 2015 at 11:52 am

      Za'atar in the mix. I must try this version out. Looks good Pavani!

      Reply
    10. Stacy Rushton

      June 11, 2015 at 12:44 am

      Bet your khobz smells wonderful as it bakes with the mix of spices inside!

      Reply
    11. Heather King

      June 11, 2015 at 12:46 am

      Za'atar in the mix sounds awesome! Plus I could fill it with hummus and veggies!

      Reply
    12. Global Tastes & Travels Inc.

      June 11, 2015 at 4:09 am

      with za'atar the flavor must have been awesome!

      Reply
    13. Global Tastes & Travels Inc.

      June 11, 2015 at 4:09 am

      with za'atar the flavor must have been awesome!

      Reply
    14. Kelster

      June 11, 2015 at 4:40 am

      I need to get my hands on some sumac! I'm missing out.

      Reply
    15. PJ

      June 11, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      I have been looking for recipes with zaatar and I am bookmarking this Pavani.As usual your pics are super delicious 🙂

      Reply
    16. Robin

      June 19, 2015 at 9:10 pm

      I adore za'atar and love the idea of adding it to the dough instead of spreading it on top. Beautiful bread!

      Reply
    17. sneha datar

      June 29, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      This bread is on my do to list. Must try it now. Very flavorful bread.

      Reply
    18. Archana

      March 21, 2021 at 3:20 am

      5 stars
      Pavani!!! I love this flatbread! anything with zaatar is something I love and Khobz with zataar! Yum here I come!!!

      Reply
    19. Uma Srinivas

      March 24, 2021 at 2:58 pm

      5 stars
      This bread looks so good and fluffy! Perfect as a sandwich and wrap. I will try to make this soon 🙂 thank you for sharing it!

      Reply
    20. Lata Lala

      March 25, 2021 at 10:58 am

      5 stars
      Baked Khobez / Arabic flatbread has many similarities to pita bread as you mentioned. Love making homemade breads and this sounds good for sandwich wraps as this turns out soft and fluffy.

      Reply
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