Batbout
Moroccan Stuffed Pita Bread
Batbout is a soft, thick, and pliable Moroccan pita bread, perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings. Cooked on a griddle, it puffs up beautifully, creating a pocket ideal for sandwiches or wraps.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g All-purpose flour(You can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.)
- 100 g Fine semolina flour(Adds a slightly chewy texture and helps with browning.)
- 2 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar(Helps activate the yeast.)
- 300-350 ml Lukewarm water(Approximately 1.5 cups. Adjust as needed for dough consistency. Water should feel comfortably warm to the touch, around 40-45°C (105-115°F).)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or vegetable oil(For greasing the bowl and hands.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is active.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, and salt. Make a well in the center.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Form the dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Begin mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time. If it's too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. It should spring back slowly when poked.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
First rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 6
Shape the batbout: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Flatten each ball into a thick disc, about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) thick and 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter. Place the shaped discs on a lightly floured baking sheet or clean kitchen towel, ensuring they don't touch.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
Second rise (optional but recommended): Cover the shaped discs loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes. This helps them puff up better during cooking.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 8
Cook the batbout: Heat a dry, heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. The surface should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately. Carefully place 1-2 batbout discs onto the hot griddle, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side. You will see the bread begin to puff up like a balloon. Flip it when golden brown spots appear on the bottom. Cook the other side until golden brown and puffed.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes per batch - 9
Cool and serve: As each batbout is cooked, remove it from the griddle and wrap it immediately in a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them soft and pliable. Serve warm.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your griddle or pan is sufficiently hot before cooking. This is crucial for the bread to puff up.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the griddle; cook in batches for best results.
- ✓Wrapping the cooked batbout in a towel immediately after cooking is key to maintaining its softness.
- ✓Batbout is incredibly versatile and makes excellent sandwiches, wraps, or can be served alongside stews and tagines.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Whole wheat batbout: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Herbed batbout: Knead in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro during the dough-making process.
- Spiced batbout: Add a pinch of cumin or other favorite spices to the dry ingredients.