Description
Khobz El Dar, meaning ‘bread of the house,’ is a traditional Algerian semolina bread with a nutty flavor, golden crust, and sesame seed topping. Rustic and hearty, it pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or a simple drizzle of olive oil.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fine semolina
- 2 cups strong white bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons fast action yeast (1 packet)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup sunflower oil (or olive oil/vegetable oil)
- 1–1 1/4 cups water, room temperature (add as needed)
- 1 tablespoon nigella seeds (optional)
- 1 large egg yolk, beaten (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Grease a large round baking tin (about 12 inches wide, 1.5 inches deep).
- In a large bowl, combine semolina, flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Make a well in the center and add beaten egg, oil, and 1 cup water. Mix until dough forms, adding more water as needed for a soft dough.
- Knead for 20–30 minutes by hand (or 10–12 minutes with a mixer) until smooth and elastic. The dough will be sticky—add water, not flour, if needed.
- Mix in nigella seeds (if using), shape into a ball with wet hands, and place in the greased pan. Spread to cover the base.
- Sprinkle lightly with semolina, cover with a towel, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Brush dough with beaten egg yolk, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and prick 6 holes with a skewer (5 near edges, 1 in center).
- Bake 35 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool 5 minutes, then turn onto a towel, wrap, and let cool on a rack before slicing.
Notes
- Olive oil can replace sunflower oil for a richer Mediterranean flavor.
- For a lighter crust, skip the egg yolk glaze and bake without it.
- Fennel or anise seeds may replace nigella for a fragrant twist.
- Dough can be kneaded in a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Best served with stews, soups, or olive oil and harissa.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Algerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
