Khobz El-Dar (Algerian Semolina Bread)

Aromatic Algerian bread made with semolina and sesame seeds — fluffy with a crispy crust and tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to main dishes.

Ingredients

• 155 g Semolina
• 45 g Sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Dry yeast
• 0.75 tsp Salt
• 60 ml Vegetable oil
• 2 pcs Egg
• 240 ml Milk
• 410 g Wheat flour
• 1 tsp Water
• 1 tbsp Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine semolina, 3 tablespoons sesame seeds, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add vegetable oil and both eggs, mix well. Gradually pour in warm milk and stir until a liquid batter forms.
2. Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and leave at room temperature until foamy appears — approximately one hour.
3. Using a wooden spoon, add flour to the dough until a sticky consistency forms. Cover again and let rest for 30 minutes.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Dust the dough and your hands with flour. Knead the dough, adding flour one tablespoon at a time, until it no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. Shape into a round loaf and place on the baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for about one hour, until the loaf has doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
7. Whisk an egg yolk with water using a fork and brush the entire surface of the loaf. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, approximately 20–25 minutes.