Regag Bread Recipe: The Authentic Middle Eastern Flatbread

Regag Bread is a traditional, thin Emirati bread that is very similar to Iranian lavash and even French crepes, but with a lighter and very thin texture. Due to its thinness and quick baking, this bread has gained great popularity among the people of the Middle East, especially in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar.
Regag bread has a special place in many celebrations, traditional ceremonies and even daily breakfasts. This bread is usually served plain or eaten with cheese, eggs, honey, dates and even spicy Arabic sauces.

What is Regag Bread?

Regag bread has its roots in the Bedouin culture of the Arabian Peninsula and was a light, quick-cooking and long-lasting bread, an excellent option on long desert journeys.
The word “Regag” in the local language means “thin and fragile”, which exactly describes the main characteristic of this bread. Emirati women bake this bread on a circular metal plate called a “tawa” and it is usually part of colorful tables during Ramadan or national celebrations.

This bread is very similar to the Greek national Feta Me Meli and Turkish Burek, but it is easier and faster to prepare.

Ingredients for making Regag Bread

To make this delicious bread, you only need very simple and available ingredients:

Tip: Some cooks add a little milk or yogurt to the dough to make the texture of the bread softer.

How to make Regag Bread: Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, and gradually add the lukewarm water and mix until you get a soft and smooth dough. This dough is a little looser than regular dough, because you need to be able to spread it on a hot surface.

Step 2: Rest

Let the prepared dough rest for 20 minutes at room temperature so that the flour absorbs all the water and gets a smooth texture.

Step 3: Heat the pan

Place the baking sheet (pan or large, thin frying pan) on medium heat and let it heat up well. This step is important because the dough needs to stick and cook quickly.

Step 4: Bake the bread

Pour some dough onto the hot surface with your hand or a ladle and spread it into a thin, even layer with quick hand movements, making sure that the thickness of the dough should be less than that of lavash bread.
After 1 to 2 minutes, when the bread starts to dry and bubble, turn it over so that the other side becomes slightly golden.
In many regions of southern Iran, while baking bread, some beaten eggs are added along with butter, and the eggs are cooked at the same time as the bread is baking.

Step 5: Serve the Regag Bread

You can eat the prepared breads plain or serve them with cream cheese, poached eggs, honey, jam, dates, breakfast chocolate, or even meat and vegetables. In the Emirates, the combination of Regag bread with eggs and hot sauce is very popular.

Regag Bread (Traditional Emirati Flatbread)

Regag Bread is a thin, crispy Emirati flatbread, often compared to crepes. It’s quick, easy, and delicious, perfect for breakfast or as a snack with cheese, eggs, honey, or spreads. This traditional bread is a staple in Emirati households, especially during Ramadan.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Cuisine: Emirati, Middle Eastern

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup water adjust as needed for a thin batter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar optional
• 1 teaspoon oil or melted butter optional for softness

Method

 

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and water until you have a smooth, runny batter (similar to crepe batter).
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or flat pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease it with a few drops of oil.
3. Pour a ladle of batter onto the hot pan, spreading it quickly into a thin circle using the back of the ladle.
4. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds.
5. Remove from heat, add desired toppings (cheese, egg, honey, etc.), fold, and serve immediately

Benefits of Regag Bread for the Body

In addition to its pleasant taste, Regag bread also has various nutritional properties:

1. Light and low-calorie: Due to its thinness, it is suitable for those on a low-calorie diet.
2. Easy to digest: The simple and thin dough of the bread makes it easy to digest.
3. Quick-cooking: This bread is prepared in less than a few minutes.
4. Multi-purpose: It can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or side dish.
5. Energy source: The presence of wheat flour provides the body with the necessary carbohydrates.
6. Compatible with warm temperament: For people with cold temperament, consuming it with dates or honey creates balance.

Disadvantages and limitations of Regag bread

Despite its many benefits, excessive consumption of Regag bread can also have disadvantages:

1. Lack of fiber: Due to its thinness and use of white flour, it has little fiber.
2. High glycemic index: It can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar; especially for diabetic patients.
3. Short-term satiety: Due to its thinness and low calories, it makes you feel hungry again very quickly.
4. Lack of minerals: Compared to whole grain breads, it has fewer vitamins and minerals.
5. Unsuitable for gluten-sensitive people: Since it is made from wheat flour, it is not suitable for celiac patients.

Tips for serving and storing Regag bread

• The best time to consume it is right after baking, as the bread quickly becomes dry and brittle.
• You can store the bread in a plastic bag or cotton cloth to keep it soft for longer.
• If you want to serve the bread in a more modern way, you can fill it with vegetables and meat, like a Mexican tortilla.
• For a healthy breakfast, combining Regag bread with low-fat cheese and fresh herbs is a great choice.

Conclusion

Regag Bread is one of the traditional and authentic Emirati breads that is prepared with simple ingredients and in a short time. This thin, light and delicious bread is suitable for breakfast and snacks, as well as for celebrations and ceremonies.
If you are looking for a different experience in international cuisine, you should definitely try Regag bread, and of course you should note that its excessive consumption is not recommended due to its lack of fiber and high glycemic index. Instead, combining it with fresh vegetables, dates or honey can make it a complete and healthy meal.

Source: cookpad

1. What is Regag Bread?

Regag Bread is a traditional Emirati flatbread, thin and crispy, often compared to crepes.

2. How is Regag Bread served?

It’s usually eaten with cheese, eggs, honey, or spreads, and sometimes wrapped with fillings.

3. Is Regag Bread healthy?

Yes, it’s light, low in calories, and can be nutritious depending on the toppings you add.

4. Can I make Regag Bread without a special pan?

Yes, you can use a non-stick skillet at home to make it.

5. How long does it take to make Regag Bread?

It usually takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.