Stunning Yemenite Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Al Nahl): A Step-by-Step Guide
3 hours 10 minutes
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About Stunning Yemenite Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Al Nahl): A Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare to be captivated by Yemenite Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Al Nahl), a visually stunning Arabic treat that tastes as exquisite as it looks. Imagine golden-brown rolls, perfectly arranged to resemble a beehive, each hiding a savory cheese surprise.Drizzled with fragrant rose-infused sugar syrup, this bread offers an irresistible blend of sweet and savory. From breakfast to brunch or an afternoon delight, this recipe guides you through each step, whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro.
Recipe Time & More
Prep2 hours 40 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total3 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cup Milk warmed
- 2 tbsp Active Yeast dry
- 2 tbsp Sugar granulated
- 1 Large Egg beaten
- 4 tbsp Milk Powder
- 2 tbsp Butter melted, unsalted
- 1/2 cup Water warm
Filling
- 24 cubes Cheese each cut in half, yielding 48 pieces
Topping
- 1 tbsp Nigella Seeds
Rose-Infused Sugar Syrup
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Sugar granulated
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp Rose Water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk, yeast, and sugar.
- Stir gently to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let the mixture stand for about 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This activates the yeast and ensures a well-risen dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, milk powder, beaten egg, melted butter, and warm water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into four equal portions, then divide each portion into 12 small balls, yielding 48 balls total.
- Flatten each ball slightly and place a piece of cheese in the center. Shape the dough around the cheese, forming a smooth ball.
- Arrange the filled dough balls closely together in a baking dish, creating a honeycomb pattern.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with milk and sprinkle with nigella seeds.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the bread is baking, prepare the rose-infused sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue to simmer until the syrup slightly thickens.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the rose water.
- As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, pour the warm rose-infused sugar syrup generously over the hot rolls, ensuring they are fully drenched.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- Use a good quality yeast for best results.
- Sesame seeds can be substituted for black seeds.
- Any preferred brand of cheese works well in this bread.
Expert Tips
- For a softer crust, cover the bread loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite flavor profile; feta, mozzarella, and ricotta are all excellent choices.
- If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover Khaliat Al Nahl in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to restore its pillowy texture.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 358kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 11gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4gCholesterol: 2mgFiber: 1gSugar: 31g
7 Comments
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Absolutely mouthwatering! Great share.
Absolutely mouthwatering! Great share.
I’m excited to make this at home!
I have a question, can you specify what the rest of ingredients
Thanks a lot dear. Iam deeply honoured.
Love the presentation as the name so the look. It looks like a honey comb.
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.