Ingredients
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4 Cups Refined Flour
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¼ Cup Milk Powder
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4 tbsp Sugar
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2 tbsp Yeast
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½ Cup Warm Water
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½ Cup Yogurt
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1 tsp Salt
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A Pinch Saffron Strandsoptional, for color
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3 tbsp Ghee/Butter
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Sesame seedsoptional
Description
Taftan, also known as taftoon or taftun, is a leavened flour bread from Iranian and Pakistani cuisine. This bread is baked in a clay oven. The texture of the Taftan is very similar to the naan. Taftan is distinctively flavored with saffron, giving it a striking golden hue and an enticing aroma. It may be decorated with poppy seeds. It is slightly sweet and pairs well with a variety of curries and gravies like soup, stew, or spicy dishes.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Taftan, a traditional Persian and Pakistani leavened bread, at home;
Directions:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the refined flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yogurt, milk powder, and the activated yeast mixture and mix well to form a dough.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 portions.
- Shape each portion into a round or oval flatbread, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Make small indentations on the surface using your fingers or a fork.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking tray.
- Brush the top with ghee or butter and sprinkle saffron strands and sesame seeds if using.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush again with ghee or butter.
- Serve warm with curries or gravies.
