Kesra – Traditional Algerian Semolina Bread
Kesra is one of the many types of breads in Algeria, North Africa but definitely most popular, eaten daily with savoury, sweet dishes or even on its own.
Made from semolina, yeast, olive oil, water and cooked on a round cast iron pan over a stove. The bread is quite thin which helps make it crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside. We love to enjoy it while it’s still warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
This recipe is a great alternative for bread and makes also an amazing snack. Semolina has more calories and is a bit heavy (359 kcal per 100g). Kesra is great to kill small hunger for a long period of time where you don’t need to eat too much of it. But if you are treating yourself it is also great with butter and some honey.
Kesra – Traditional Algerian Semolina Bread
Ingredients
- 500 g Fine Semolina
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 tbsp Dried Yeast
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1 cup Water room temperature
Instructions
- In a large bowl place semolina, baking powder, yeast, salt, sugar, and oil. Mix with your hands, start adding water gradually and keep kneading the bread until all ingredients become one. Place the dough on the working space and kneed more until it starts to stretch but not pulling apart (add more water if necessary). Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place back in a bowl, cover with a tea towel and rest for 10 min.
- Place the flat pan on high heat and let it warm up. Meanwhile, take one of the dough balls on to the counter (greased with a bit of olive oil). Press the dough with your hand to create an even circle. With a fork make holes all over the bread.
- Turn the heat under the pan to medium. Place the bread into the pan with the fork holes facing down. Using your fork again make holes on the plain side. Let it cook for 4-5 min on each side moving it around the pan to cook it evenly.
- Continue with the rest of the dough until all bread is done. Enjoy while it’s still warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Store in a plastic bag for up to 2 days.