I still dont know when this bread was inherited by the Swahili culture.Historically, Zanzibar Islands was influenced by Persians so thats how this soft flat bread was added to our cuisine.The word AJEM in arabic means the non arabs but the Persians were commonly known by this title.
Ingredients
1. 3 cups of flour ( I mix 1 cup of all purpose , 2 cups white wholewheat)
2. 1 cup of yogurt
3. 1 packet yeast
4. 1/4 tablespoon baking powder
5. 2 tablespoons of canola oil
6. 1 tablespoon salt
7.Vegetable ghee - can substitute with canola oil.
Optional addition : Add 2 eggs
8. A pan for cooking the bread and a pizza board or flat pan which is oven proof.
Directions:
In a bowl mix the flour, yeast and baking powder well. In a smaller bowl whisk the eggs, oil and yogurt then pour into the flour and knead till soft. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes covered or in the oven.
Take the dough and divide it into 6 or 8 equal pieces.( 8 make smaller size- like pita) Make into balls and prepare them as if you are making chapati.
1. On a floured surface roll dough as thinly as possible with a rolling pin.
2. Add a tablespoon of warmed vegetable ghee or canola oil on top of the rolled out dough.
3.Using your hands stretch the dough to make it thin then lay it on the surface and roll it.
4.Taking one end roll the dough into a ball like a cinnamon bun.
5.Repeat the same process till all balls are done then put in a bowl and cover for another 30 minutes. Allows the dough to raise.
Cooking:
Take a pan put it on medium heat and heat put your oven on broil.
Roll out the dough to an almost perfect circle and place it on the pan.
Let it brown a little on the bottom then transfer it to the ovenproof pan and place it in the oven for 1-2 minutes with the door closed. Once the top browns remove from the oven. Add a little dab of butter on top. Note: The bread burns quickly in the broiler.
Repeat the process.
Tip:
To save time I usually roll 2 balls at a time, once you remove one from the pan the other is ready to remove out of the oven. The bread cooks quickly within 10 minutes your done.
Variation:
Instead of adding Yogurt you knead the flour with water only.
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Looking yummy!
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