Moroccan Khobz (Traditional Homemade Bread)

  • Total time - 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Preparation - 20 minutes
  • Proofing time - 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Baking time - 25 minutes
  • Servings: 2
  • Country: Morocco
Two freshly baked loaves of Moroccan Khobz bread with a soft crust and dusted with flour.

Khobz is not just bread; it's an important part of Moroccan culture and hospitality. Its preparation is a ritual that brings families together. Its soft, fluffy texture is surprisingly simple to achieve and makes it the perfect accompaniment to any savory Moroccan dish.

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 250 g whole wheat flour
  • 50 g fine or medium semolina
  • 2 teaspoons dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 350 ml warm water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and knead the dough

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, semolina, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and knead the dough by hand or in a stand mixer for about 10-15 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 2: First rise

Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shaping and second rise

Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide it into two equal parts and shape them into flat, round loaves (about 2-3 cm thick). Place the loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Baking

Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Sprinkle the top of the loaves with a little semolina and poke a few holes with a fork. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. Let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.