How To Make Fatir
Fatir is a delicious and flaky flatbread that originates from Egypt. It is commonly used as a base for savory toppings, making it a versatile and popular choice among Egyptians. The bread has a unique texture, with layers that are both soft and crispy, giving it a delightful crunch when bitten into. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack, and can be filled with various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or meat.
The history of Fatir dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was a staple food for the Egyptians. It has been a part of their culinary tradition for centuries, with recipes being passed down through generations. The bread was traditionally made by hand, using simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt. Over time, different variations of Fatir emerged, with some recipes incorporating additional ingredients like yeast or milk to enhance the flavor and texture. Today, Fatir remains a beloved dish in Egypt, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The estimated cost to make this recipe for Fatir, a flaky Egyptian flatbread, is relatively low. The main ingredients needed are all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, water, and vegetable oil. These ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens and can be purchased at an affordable price. The total cost for making this flatbread would be around $5 to $10, depending on the brand and quantity of the ingredients used.
In terms of time, making Fatir requires some preparation and waiting for the dough to rise. The total time needed to make this flatbread is approximately 2 to 3 hours. This includes the time for mixing and kneading the dough, allowing it to rest and rise, and finally baking it in the oven. The actual hands-on time for preparing the dough and shaping the flatbread is around 30 minutes. Overall, this recipe for Fatir is relatively inexpensive and can be made within a few hours.
Fatir Ingredients
The main ingredients for this flatbread recipe are all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, water, and vegetable oil. The flour is used as the base for the dough, while the yeast helps the bread to rise and become fluffy. Salt is added for flavor, and water is used to bind the ingredients together. Vegetable oil is used to make the dough soft and pliable.
The tools needed for making this flatbread include a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet. The mixing bowl is used to combine the flour, yeast, salt, water, and vegetable oil to make the dough. The rolling pin is used to flatten the dough into a thin, round shape. Finally, the baking sheet is used to bake the flatbread in the oven until it becomes golden brown and flaky.
Fatir Recipe
To prepare the flatbread, start by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined. Next, make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and 3/4 cup of warm water. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow it to relax and rise slightly.
After the dough has rested, divide it into 4 equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick. Repeat this process with the remaining portions. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease…(full recipe on the way)
To cook Fatir, start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Then, brush the dough with melted butter or olive oil. Next, fold the dough in half and brush the top with more butter or oil. Repeat this process two more times, so that the dough is folded in half three times and brushed with butter or oil each time. After that, roll out the dough again until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into desired shapes, such as squares or triangles. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. Serve the Fatir warm and enjoy it as a delicious base for savory toppings or as a standalone bread…(full recipe on the way)
Fatir Flour Alternatives
1. Chickpea flour: Made from ground chickpeas, this gluten-free flour adds a nutty flavor to the flatbread and gives it a slightly denser texture.
2. Rice flour: Derived from finely ground rice, this flour is also gluten-free and produces a lighter and crispier flatbread.
3. Buckwheat flour: Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is gluten-free. It lends a unique earthy taste and a soft texture to the flatbread.
4. Quinoa flour: Made from ground quinoa seeds, this flour is high in protein and imparts a slightly nutty flavor to the flatbread while keeping it gluten-free.
5. Spelt flour: Although it contains gluten, spelt flour is often tolerated by those with mild gluten sensitivities. It adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste to the flatbread
Other Names For Fatir
1. Egyptian flaky bread
2. Savory flatbread
3. Egyptian pastry bread
4. Crispy Egyptian flatbread
5. Flaky base bread
6. Egyptian topping bread
7. Egyptian savory base
8. Crusty Egyptian bread
9. Egyptian flaky base
10. Savory Egyptian pastry
11. Crispy base bread
12. Flaky Egyptian topping bread
13. Egyptian crusty flatbread
14. Savory Egyptian flaky base
15. Crispy topping bread
16. Flaky Egyptian pastry base
17. Egyptian crusty base
18. Savory Egyptian crusty bread
19. Crispy Egyptian topping base
20. Flaky pastry bread
How To Make Sourdough Fatir
1. Begin by mixing your sourdough starter with flour, water, and salt to create a dough.
2. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough and let it rest for several hours, allowing the sourdough to ferment and develop flavor.
4. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 500°F.
5. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles.
6. Place the circles onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until they become golden brown and flaky.
7. Remove the flatbreads from the oven and allow them to cool before using them as a base for savory toppings.
8. Enjoy your homemade sourdough Fatir flatbreads!…(full sourdough recipe on the way)
How To Make Gluten-Free Fatir
1. Start by choosing gluten-free flour alternatives such as rice flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
2. Mix the gluten-free flour with other dry ingredients like salt and baking powder.
3. Add a liquid component like water or a dairy-free milk substitute to the dry ingredients.
4. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Let the dough rest for a while to allow it to rise.
6. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll them out into thin flatbreads.
7. Cook the flatbreads on a hot griddle or skillet until they become golden brown and flaky.
8. Serve the gluten-free flatbreads as a base for your favorite savory toppings or enjoy them on their own…(full gluten-free recipe on the way)
What Next?
I’ve provided some basic tips on making Fatir at home above but I’ll be updating this page to include links to the best Fatir recipes, including sourdough and gluten-free versions. Join our waitlist above to get noticed when these recipes are available.