Moroccan Wheat Bread - Khobz dyal Zraa'

Homemade Moroccan wheat bread
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Resting and Rising Time: 75 mins
Total: 2 hrs
Servings: 16 servings
Yield: 2 round loaves

Baking homemade bread is a daily affair in many Moroccan homes, and those who do so are very inclined to use a mix of flours which includes whole wheat. This recipe for Moroccan Wheat Bread—Khobz dyal Zraa' —keeps things simple with an equal blend of wheat and white flours, which will yield rich flavor and light texture.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour

  • 2 cups white flour, plus more for kneading

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 tablespoon yeast

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water

  • 1 cup cornmeal, semolina, barley grits, or oil, for pan

Steps to Make It

  1. Prepare two baking sheets by oiling the centers, or by dusting the pans with a little cornmeal, semolina or the barley grits.

  2. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl or make a large well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast.

  3. Add the oil, honey and the water to the well, mixing to dissolve the yeast first, and then stirring the entire contents of the bowl to incorporate the water into the flour.

  4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface (or work directly within the gsaa), and begin kneading the dough. If necessary, add flour or water in very small amounts to make the dough soft and pliable, but not sticky. Continue kneading for 10 minutes, or until the dough is very smooth and elastic.

  5. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a smooth circular mound. Place onto the prepared pans, and cover with a towel. Allow resting for 10 minutes.

  6. After the dough has rested, use the palm of your hand to flatten the dough into circles about 1/4" thick. Cover the shaped dough with a towel and leave to rise about one hour, or until the dough springs back when pressed lightly with a finger.

  7. Preheat an oven to 435 F (225 C).

  8. Create steam vents by scoring the top of the bread with a very sharp knife, or by poking the dough with a fork in several places.

  9. Bake the bread for about 20 minutes – rotate the pans about halfway through the baking time – or until the loaves are richly colored and sound hollow when tapped. Transfer the bread to a rack or towel-lined basket to cool.

Recipe Variation

  • If you'd rather a denser bread with heartier grain flavor, replace some of the white flour with even more whole wheat.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
161 Calories
3g Fat
31g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 161
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 269mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 102mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)