Name: Barbari Bread (Persian Flatbread) Recipe
Prep time: 18 h 15 min
Cook time: PT-494856H54M35S
Total time: 18 h 48 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 1 cup lukewarm water; 1/4 tsp active dry yeast; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups lukewarm water; 2 tsp active dry yeast; 2 cups bread flour; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 tsp salt; 1 cup wheat bran (or all-purpose flour for work station); 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided: 1 cup for poolish, 2 cups for dough initial mixing, 1 cup added during kneading); 2 tsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp vegetable oil; 1/3 cup cool water; 1 tsp sesame seeds; 1 tsp nigella (black onion seeds)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 60 reviews

If you have ever longed to bake something truly special that carries the warmth, aroma, and heritage of Persian cuisine, then this Barbari Bread (Persian Flatbread) Recipe is your perfect go-to. This luscious flatbread has that irresistible golden crust enriched with a uniquely flavorful glaze, soft airy crumb, and a delightful crunch from sesame and nigella seeds. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or to accompany your favorite stews and dips, this bread instantly elevates any meal and fills your kitchen with an inviting scent that makes everyone eager to gather around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round bowl filled with pale beige dough that has risen and expanded to fill the bowl, covered with a clear plastic wrap tightly stretched across the top, resting on a white marbled surface. A white cloth with red and gray stripes is placed partly under the bowl's left side. The dough shows a soft, spongy texture with tiny bubbles on its surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Barbari Bread (Persian Flatbread) Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the yeast that breathes life into the dough to the wheat bran that creates its characteristic texture and the aromatic seeds that finish it beautifully.

Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast perfectly and keeps the dough moist for that ideal crumb.
Active dry yeast: Ensures a wonderful rise and airy texture.
Bread flour: Provides strength to the dough, giving it that chewy bite.
All-purpose flour: Balances the texture and works as a versatile base.
Salt: Enhances flavor, making every bite more satisfying.
Wheat bran: Adds the signature rustic texture and helps create a lovely crust.
Baking soda and sugar: Used in the glaze to develop that gorgeous golden shine and mild sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Lightens the glaze and adds subtle richness.
Sesame seeds and nigella seeds: Provide a delightful nutty aroma and a slight crunch on top.

How to Make Barbari Bread (Persian Flatbread) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Poolish

Begin by mixing 1 cup of lukewarm water with 1/4 teaspoon of active dry yeast and 1 cup of all-purpose flour until you have a smooth batter. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature for 16 to 24 hours. This pre-ferment not only contributes to the complex flavor but also helps develop the bread’s characteristic texture.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once your poolish is bubbly and fragrant, incorporate it into a stand mixer bowl. Add 2 cups of lukewarm water, 2 teaspoons of yeast, 2 cups bread flour, 2 cups all-purpose flour, and salt. Use a dough hook to mix everything into a smooth batter, then add the remaining 1 cup of all-purpose flour and knead for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the dough will be sticky, which is completely normal for Barbari bread.

Step 3: Knead and First Rise

Transfer the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking until it’s smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until nearly doubled in size, about 1 hour. This rise is what makes the bread soft and airy inside.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface. Instead of rolling it flat, fold it over a couple of times to create tension, then cut the dough into your desired number of pieces. Shape each piece gently into a ball, and lay them on a baking sheet spaced apart to rest under lightly greased plastic wrap for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Oven and Glaze

Preheat your oven to 500°F, and if available, place a pizza stone on the lowest rack to get that authentic crisp bake. Next, create the iconic Barbari glaze by whisking together flour, baking soda, sugar, oil, and cool water in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened. Let it cool completely to achieve that shiny, flavorful crust.

Step 6: Form the Flatbreads

Dust your surface with wheat bran or all-purpose flour, and gently stretch each dough ball into a 9×4 inch oval shape using your fingers—no rolling pins here, since you don’t want to deflate the air pockets! Let them rest uncovered for 10 minutes before brushing generously with half the glaze.

Step 7: Add Texture and Seeds

Dip your fingers in water and press continuous lengthwise grooves into the dough, this signature pattern not only looks beautiful but also helps hold the glaze and seeds. Sprinkle half the sesame and nigella seeds over the glaze for that unmistakable nutty aroma and crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer each loaf onto the hot pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven, ensuring adequate space between loaves. Bake for about 8 minutes until the bread turns golden brown with a crisp crust. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving, then repeat with remaining dough.

How to Serve Barbari Bread (Persian Flatbread) Recipe

The image shows several long, oval-shaped flatbreads with a shiny golden brown crust, some topped with black sesame seeds and others with white sesame seeds, arranged overlapping each other. On the right, a white bowl holds bright red chunks of fresh tomato. In the bottom left corner, a white bowl is filled with walnut pieces, and at the top left, a white small bowl contains honey with a wooden honey dipper resting inside. A clear glass with amber-colored tea and a small sprig of fresh green mint are placed near the breads. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While Barbari bread is sublime on its own, a quick brush of melted butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate it. Toasting slices lightly brings out the aroma of the seeds and complements any meal beautifully.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, this Persian flatbread is served alongside olives, fresh tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and salty feta cheese. Pairing it with a drizzle of honey or a cup of hot mint tea makes an unforgettable breakfast or snack experience that warms the soul.

Creative Ways to Present

Use Barbari bread as a base for open-faced sandwiches with smoked salmon and cream cheese or make mini flatbread pizzas with fresh herbs, garlic, and mozzarella. It also works wonderfully as a side for hearty stews, soaking up flavorful broths irresistibly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Barbari bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread soft while maintaining its crisp crust. For best results, reheat before serving.

Freezing

To freeze the bread, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Barbari bread freezes well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Barbari bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes wrapped in foil to ensure it warms through without drying out, or pop slices in the toaster for a quick crisp-up that revives the bread’s delightful texture.

FAQs

What makes Barbari bread different from other flatbreads?

Barbari bread is distinguished by its thick, soft inside and a golden, glossy crust created by a special flour glaze. Additionally, the use of wheat bran and the characteristic grooved pattern on top set it apart from other flatbreads.

Can I make Barbari bread without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. While a stand mixer speeds up kneading, you can mix and knead the dough thoroughly by hand. The dough will be sticky, so flour your hands and work surface well to manage it effectively.

Why is the dough so sticky?

The dough contains high hydration to produce the soft crumb typical of Barbari bread. Although sticky, this is essential for its delicate texture and flavor development.

Can I substitute wheat bran?

If you don’t have wheat bran, you can use all-purpose flour for dusting, although wheat bran provides a nuttier flavor and helps create the signature crust texture.

How long does it take to prepare Barbari bread from start to finish?

Including fermenting the poolish overnight, the entire process takes around 18 hours, but active hands-on time is much less. The long fermentation gives the bread its rich flavor and airy texture.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely encourage you to try this Barbari Bread (Persian Flatbread) Recipe—you’ll be amazed how such simple ingredients combine to create a bread so full of character and warmth. It’s perfect for elevating everyday meals or impressing guests with a homemade taste of Persia. Happy baking!