Dinner

Easy Persian Barbari Bread Recipe

Name: Easy Persian Barbari Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 1.1 lb / 500 g all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups lukewarm water; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons nigella seeds or black sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup water; ½ teaspoon sugar

ByHarper Ellington December 26, 2025December 26, 2025

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Introduction

Barbari Bread is a traditional Persian flatbread known for its crisp crust and soft, airy interior. This easy recipe guides you through making this delicious bread at home, perfect for breakfast or alongside your favorite dishes.

Two large, oval-shaped flatbreads lie overlapping on each other on a white marbled surface. They are golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and have scattered black and white sesame seeds on the top surface. The flatbreads have visible char marks and slight ridges running lengthwise. To the side, there is a white bowl with green pattern holding a white creamy dip, and fresh green mint leaves are placed next to it. At the bottom left corner, slices of cucumber on a white plate with blue decoration are slightly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.1 lb / 500 g all purpose flour
1 ½ cups lukewarm water
2 teaspoons instant yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
2 tablespoons nigella seeds or black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon all purpose flour (for glaze)
⅓ cup water (for glaze)
½ teaspoon sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Slowly pour in the lukewarm water while mixing with a wooden spoon to combine.
Step 2: Add the olive oil and knead the dough using the wooden spoon in the same bowl. The dough will be sticky; continue kneading for 5-8 minutes until it becomes elastic. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal pieces. Lightly dust with flour and fold the edges underneath each piece, shaping them into oval loaves. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for another hour.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 200℃ (400℉). To make the glaze, combine the flour, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, whisking continuously for a few minutes until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat to cool.
Step 5: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Transfer one dough oval onto the parchment. Stretch it evenly with your hands into a flat oval shape about 39 cm long diagonally. It doesn’t need to be perfect but should be even in thickness.
Step 6: Brush a thin layer of the cooled glaze over the dough. Using your fingertips, create the signature long indentations along the bread about 1 inch apart to form the classic pattern.
Step 7: Sprinkle the nigella seeds and white sesame seeds evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes until the bread is lightly golden. While it bakes, prepare the second dough the same way and bake it afterward.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, brush the finished bread with melted butter right after baking.
If nigella seeds are unavailable, black sesame seeds make a great substitute.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
For a glossy finish, apply an egg wash before adding the seeds.

Storage

Store Barbari bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled bread in an airtight bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 180℃ (350℉) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Two long, flat breads with a golden-brown crust are layered slightly overlapping on a white marbled surface. The breads have small, evenly spaced indentations creating a ridged texture and are sprinkled generously with black and white sesame seeds. To the right, there is a small white bowl with ornate green and black patterns inside, filled with white creamy cheese and a spoon resting on it. Near the bowl, fresh green mint leaves add a touch of color. In the bottom left corner, a white dish with blue floral designs holds slices of fresh green cucumber. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Barbari bread without instant yeast?

While instant yeast is recommended for its quick rise, you can substitute with active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the lukewarm water first and allow it to activate for 5-10 minutes before mixing.

Why is the dough sticky, and is that normal?

The dough for Barbari is naturally sticky due to its hydration level. This stickiness helps create a light, airy crumb. Use flour lightly for shaping and avoid adding too much, which could make the bread dense.