Kesra is a traditional Algerianflatbread made from semolina flour, salt, water, and olive oil. Known for its soft, chewy texture and nutty flavor, it pairs perfectly with stews, tagines, or grilled meats. This simple yet flavorful bread provides a good source of carbohydrates, which supply energy, while olive oil adds healthy fats. The semolina used in Kesra is rich in B vitamins, particularly B1 (thiamine), which supports metabolism and nerve function. Olive oil contributes antioxidants like vitamin E, which promotes skin health and reduces inflammation. While Kesra is low in protein and fiber, it complements dishes that provide these nutrients, making it a versatile and nutritious part of the traditional Algerian diet.

Ingredients:

1- 500g semolina flour

2- 1 tsp salt

3- 2 tsp sugar

4- 2 tsp instant yeast

5- 300ml warm water

6- 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1- NotIn a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well.

2- Add the warm water to the bowl and mix until a rough dough forms.

3- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

5- Preheat the oven to 220°C.

6- Divide the dough into two equal pieces and roll each piece into a flat disc about 1 cm thick.

7- Place the discs onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.

8- Use a sharp knife to make deep cuts into the surface of the bread, creating a pattern of diagonal lines.

9- Brush the top of the bread with olive oil.

10- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

11- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving

additional Preparation Variations for Kesra:

- Kesra is a versatile bread that can be customized in many ways. While the traditional recipe uses simple ingredients like semolina, olive oil, and salt, you can experiment with various toppings and flavors to suit your taste. Consider adding:

- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top before baking. These herbs enhance the bread’s aroma and add a burst of flavor.

- Cheese: Adding grated cheese such as feta or parmesan into the dough or as a topping can elevate the bread’s taste and make it richer. You can also try mixing in za'atar (a Middle Eastern herb blend) for a unique twist.

- Seeds: Topping the bread with sesame seeds or nigella seeds gives it a delightful crunch and adds extra nutrients.

- These variations make Kesra even more appealing as a side dish for stews, salads, or as a standalone snack.

Notes:

1- If you don't have semolina flour, you can substitute it with regular all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal.

2- Make sure the water you use to make the dough is warm, but not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.

3- You can experiment with different toppings for the bread, such as sesame seeds or nigella seeds.

Nutritional Comparison:

When comparing Kesra to other types of bread, such as white bread or whole wheat bread, there are several key differences in nutritional content:

- Semolina flour in Kesra provides more protein and a higher amount of B vitamins (especially thiamine), which are vital for energy metabolism. Semolina is also rich in iron and magnesium.

- White bread, made from refined flour, generally lacks the nutrients found in semolina and offers fewer vitamins and minerals. It also tends to be higher in simple carbohydrates with less fiber.

- Whole wheat bread contains more fiber and is a better source of vitamins and minerals than white bread, though it might not have the same soft, chewy texture as Kesra due to the nature of the flour.

- While Kesra may not have the high fiber content of whole wheat bread, it provides essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nutritious choice as part of a balanced diet.

Storage and Freezing Tips:

If you have leftovers or want to prepare Kesra ahead of time, freezing it is a great option. Follow these steps:

- Cool the bread completely before freezing to avoid condensation.

- Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

- Store in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

- To reheat, bake in the oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other types of flour instead of semolina flour?

- Yes, you can substitute semolina flour with all-purpose flour or a combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Semolina contributes to the bread’s signature chewiness and nuttiness, so using other flours might change the final result.

2. Can I make Kesra without yeast?

- Yeast is essential for creating the light, airy texture of Kesra. If you don’t have yeast, you can use baking powder as an alternative. However, baking powder will not produce the same fluffy result and might yield a denser bread.

3. How do I know if the yeast is active?

- To check if the yeast is active, dissolve a small amount of yeast in warm water (not hot, around 100°F or 38°C) with a pinch of sugar. After about 5-10 minutes, the mixture should become bubbly or foamy. If it does not, the yeast may be inactive, and it is best to replace it.

4. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?

- If the dough is too sticky, you can add small amounts of flour, a little at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this could affect the texture of the bread.

5. How should I store Kesra?

- Kesra should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

6. Can I make Kesra without olive oil?

- While olive oil helps improve the texture and flavor of Kesra, it can be substituted with other oils like vegetable oil or sunflower oil. However, olive oil’s distinct taste and health benefits may be missed if replaced with other oils.

Nutrition Facts:

One serving of kesra (50g) contains approximately:

- Calories: 150

- Fat: 2g

- Carbohydrates: 27g

- Protein: 5g

- Fiber: 2g

- Sugar: 1g

- Sodium: 240mg

Here are the nutrition facts for the ingredients listed for Kesra:

500g semolina flour:

- Calories: Approximately 1,775 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 371g

- Protein: Approximately 62g

- Fat: Approximately 5g

- Fiber: Approximately 21g

benefits: It's a good source of energy, high in protein, and provides essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

1 tsp salt:

- Calories: Negligible (salt is calorie-free)

- Sodium: Approximately 2,300mg

benefits: It enhances flavor and helps to regulate fluid balance in the body.

2 tsp sugar:

- Calories: Approximately 32 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8g

benefits: Adds sweetness and provides a quick source of energy.

2 tsp instant yeast:

- Calories: Approximately 20 kcal

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 4g

- Protein: Approximately 3g

benefits: Helps the dough rise and gives the bread its fluffy texture.

300ml warm water:

- Calories: Negligible

benefits: Helps activate the yeast and makes the dough easier to knead.

1 tbsp olive oil:

- Calories: Approximately 119 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 14g

- Vitamin E: Approximately 1.9mg

- Vitamin K: Approximately 8.1mcg

benefits: Adds moisture to the dough, improves texture, and adds a rich flavor. It also contains healthy fats and antioxidants.

Please note that the nutrition information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. Additionally, these values are for the listed ingredients only and do not include any additional toppings or fillings that may be added to the Kesra.

Kesra is a delicious and nutritious bread that is easy to make at home. It is a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes and is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.