Barbari A Persian Bread Recipe

Experience the irresistible taste of Barbari, a beloved Persian flatbread! This recipe delivers a perfectly chewy and subtly sweet bread, perfect for breakfast with feta cheese and herbs, jam, or alongside a warm cup of tea. Similar to Armenian matnakash, our Barbari recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Inspired by a successful home-baking experience with a picky Iranian family, this recipe is your ticket to authentic Persian flavors!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 150 mins
Calories 136.5 kcal
Protein 9g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Barbari A Persian Bread

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Barbari A Persian Bread

  • Bread Flour
  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • Baking Powder
  • Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Cornmeal
  • Poppy Seeds
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • Baking Soda

How to Make Barbari A Persian Bread

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F), 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long oval, about 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.
  6. Place the shaped dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each oval.
  7. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly brush the tops of the bread with olive oil or melted butter.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. For extra crispiness, you can brush them with a little water during the last few minutes of baking.
  9. Let the Barbari bread cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

0g

Carbs

9g