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Lebanese Flatbreads with Tomatoes, Za’atar and Sumac
These savory flatbreads are Middle Eastern in origin, but we learned about them in São Paulo, Brazil, where they’re called esfihas (sometimes spelled esfirras). The breads were introduced to Brazil by Arab immigrants, particularly from Lebanon and Syria, in the late 19th century. Esfihas might be formed into dumpling-like buns that fully enclose a filling, but the ones we favored were open-face like pizzas and about the size of a saucer. At São Paulo’s Restaurante & Rotisserie Halim, Yasmin Sultan showed us how to make those pizza-style esfihas. We adapted the recipe, adding some yogurt to the dough for a richer, more tender crumb that complements a simple topping of chopped tomatoes and olive oil mixed with za’atar and sumac. Za’atar is an herb, seed and spice blend; sumac is the ground dried berries of the sumac plant. Look for both in well-stocked grocery stores, spice shops and Middle Eastern markets. If you have leftover esfihas, wrap them well and refrigerate for up to two days. Rewarm in a 425°F oven on a wire rack set in a baking sheet for five to eight minutes.
12
5-inch flatbreads
Don’t skip the step of salting and draining the tomatoes. Removing the excess moisture is important for preventing the crusts from becoming soggy.
2 hours
(1 hour active)
For the dough
-
120
grams (½ cup) plain whole-milk yogurt
Directions
-
01To make the dough, in a 2-cup liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, the ⅓ cup of the oil and ⅓ cup water. In a stand mixer with the dough hook, mix the flour, yeast and table salt on medium until well combined, about 15 seconds. With the mixer on low, drizzle in the yogurt mixture. Increase to medium and knead until the mixture forms a smooth, elastic dough that clears the sides of the bowl, 7 to 10 minutes; if the dough sticks to the bowl, knead in additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Meanwhile, coat 2 rimmed baking sheets with 2 tablespoons oil each.