Taftoon Bread: Homemade Iranian Bread Recipe
Taftoon bread is one of the oldest and most popular Iranian breads that has had an important place on the table of Iranian families from the past to the present. This tasty and healthy bread, along with other traditional breads such as Sangak and Berberi, is consumed as a healthy and light choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With its semi-dry texture, simple taste, and very light and digestible ingredients, Taftoon has been able to attract a lot of attention in recent years due to its high nutritional value and easy digestibility.
Other breads, such as Sheermal and Shelpek are also prepared in Iran that have a memorable taste. In the past, Taftoon was mostly prepared in the tropical regions of Iran, because simple ingredients and clay ovens allowed for easy baking. Today, this bread is baked not only in Iran, but also in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even Turkey under similar names.
What is Taftoon Bread?
Taftun bread is a traditional Iranian bread made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast, and is usually baked in clay or gas ovens. This bread is especially popular in the cities of Tehran, Saveh, Qom, Kerman, and Zanjan. One of the important features of Taftoon Bread is its lightness, easy digestibility, thinness, and low calories. These features make it a suitable option for diets, the elderly, athletes, and those who have difficulty digesting. This bread is usually glued to the body of the oven, and its surface is covered with small, regular holes; holes that are created by a special skewer to prevent the bread from puffing up too much.
Ingredients for making homemade Taftoon Bread: For 4 medium loaves
Be sure to use fresh, high-quality flour to bake this bread to enjoy the results.
| White or wholemeal flour | 3 Cups |
| Lukewarm water | 1 Cup |
| Salt | 1 Teaspoon |
| Instant yeast | 1 Tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 Teaspoon |
| Liquid oil | 1 Tablespoon |
How to make Taftoon Bread (step by step)
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Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with sugar in lukewarm water and let it foam for 10 minutes. This step is very important for better puffing of the dough.
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Prepare the main dough
In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour and salt. Then add the activated yeast and oil and start kneading. The dough should be completely soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
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Rest the dough
Cover the bowl with a cloth and rest in a warm place for 45 minutes until the dough doubles in size.
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Dividing and shaping
Divide the dough into 4 parts and roll each part into a circle or oval shape with a rolling pin. Make holes in it with a special tool to prevent the bread from puffing up.
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Baking the bread
- If you are using a clay or gas oven, stick the bread to the wall.
- If you are using a home oven, heat the tray and bake the bread on high heat (250 degrees) for 8-10 minutes.
The tough bread should be golden, light, and well-textured.
Taftoon Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it with sugar in lukewarm water. Let it foam for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix sifted flour and salt. Add the activated yeast and oil. Knead until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in a warm place for 45 minutes until it doubles in size.
- Divide the dough into 4 parts. Roll each into a circle or oval. Make small holes with a tool to prevent puffing.
- Bake in a clay or gas oven by sticking the dough to the wall, or in a preheated home oven at 250 C (480 F) for 8-10 minutes.
- The finished bread should be golden, light, and well-textured.
Golden tips for making tough bread
- Whole wheat flour multiplies the nutritional value of the bread.
- The bread should not be too thick; the appropriate thickness is 3-6 mm.
- Adding a little yogurt or buttermilk to the dough makes the bread softer.
- It is better to moisten the surface of the dough a little before baking so that it does not dry out.
- Baking on a hot stone or cast-iron plate improves the quality of the bread.
Health benefits of Taftoon Bread
High fiber:
If made with whole grain flour, it is an excellent source of fiber and helps with better digestion, reducing constipation, and controlling blood sugar.
Fewer calories than bulky breads:
Due to its thin thickness, each serving has fewer calories and is suitable for a weight loss diet.
High digestibility:
The simplicity of the ingredients and high-heat baking make it easier to digest than fancy breads.
Source of B vitamins:
Wheat flour contains B1, B3, and B6, which help strengthen nerves, energy, and metabolism.
Very low fat:
Because it does not contain much oil, its fat is almost zero, and it is considered a good option for heart health.
Suitable for athletes:
The complex carbohydrates in Tafton bread provide sustained energy for exercise and physical activities.
Possible Disadvantages and Side Effects of Taftoon Bread
High Carbohydrates:
Excessive consumption can cause weight gain, especially for people who do little physical activity.
Increases blood sugar (if made with white flour):
White flour has a high glycemic index and is not suitable for diabetics.
Lack of micronutrients compared to Sangak bread:
Due to the lack of sesame or bran, it may have fewer vitamins and minerals.
Dryness of bread:
For some people, it causes digestive problems such as indigestion if not chewed well.
High Gluten:
Not suitable for people with gluten sensitivity.
How to serve Taftoon Bread?
- With cheese, walnuts, and vegetables
- With a variety of dishes such as lentils, omelets, or cutlets
- As the main bread at lunch
- With traditional dishes such as vegetable stew, ghee, or kebab
How to keep Tafton bread fresh?
- The best way is to store it in a cotton cloth.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread and heat it in a pan when you are ready to eat.
- Do not refrigerate, as it will dry out.
Conclusion:
Taftoon Bread, this authentic and thousand-year-old Iranian bread, is still one of the healthiest and best choices for our table. From its thin texture and easy digestion to its good nutritional value and diverse uses, Taftoon is not just a simple bread; it is also part of Iran’s food heritage. If you are looking for a bread that is both light, fragrant, suitable for a variety of dishes, and can be made at home, Taftoun is exactly the option you should choose. Try it once to taste the originality. Feel it in every bite.
Taftoon Bread(Taftan): Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Taftoon Bread
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Is Taftoon Bread Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, because it is low in calories and has a small volume; of course, if it is made with whole wheat flour.
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Which is Better: Taftoon or Lavash?
Taftoon has more nutritional value and dries out more slowly.
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Can Taftoon Bread Be Made Without Yeast?
Yes, but its texture will be drier and harder.
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What is the Best Flour for Taftoon?
Semi-wheat flour or 12-13% protein.
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Why is Taftoon Bread Perforated?
The holes prevent the bread from puffing up too much and becoming uneven.