Barbari Bread - Persian Flatbread

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, olive oil, and yeast.
2. Add warm water gradually, stirring to form a sticky dough. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer until it becomes smooth and elastic—this will take about 8–10 minutes.
3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine flour, water, olive oil, and baking soda.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a smooth paste. Set aside to cool.

Shaping the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, cover them, and let them rest for 15 minutes.
2. Take one ball and gently flatten it into an oval or rectangular shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Each piece should be about 12 inches long and 5 inches wide.
3. Using your fingers, gently press lines into the dough from top to bottom to create the signature ridges of Barbari bread.
4. Brush the glaze mixture over the surface, covering the dough evenly. This will help to keep the bread moist and create that golden crust during baking.
5. Sprinkle on sesame seeds and/or nigella seeds

Second Rise and Baking the Bread

1. Cover the shaped and topped dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rise for another hour. This second rise helps the bread develop a light, airy texture.
2. Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C).
3. Bake the bread for 15–20 minutes or until it turns golden brown with a crisp crust. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary slightly.