Moroccan ksra

Moroccan flatbread (Ksra) is a delight that combines tradition with the unique flavors of Morocco. This simple yet flavorful recipe is made with semolina and anise, giving it a slightly crunchy texture and an unmistakable taste. It can be served alongside tagine, but is equally delicious with cheese, salad, or various sauces. I invite you to discover how to prepare this delicious bread in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 ml warm water
- 500 g flour
- 150 g semolina
- 1 teaspoon ground anise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- Olive oil, for greasing
- Sesame seeds, for decoration

Preparation instructions:

1. Activating the yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in 100 ml of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms on the surface. This step is essential to ensure that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, semolina, anise, and salt. Make a well in the center of this mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the remaining warm water and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

3. Kneading: If using a bread machine, set it to the kneading program. If you prefer the traditional method, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. Rising: Form a ball from the dough and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with oiled plastic wrap to prevent drying. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the breads: Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat bread about 2 cm thick. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Decorating: Brush each flatbread with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and crunch.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the breads for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This is a sign that they are perfectly baked.

8. Serving: Let the breads cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them warm alongside a fragrant tagine or as a snack with cheese and fresh vegetables.

Useful tips:
- Substitute the anise with other spices, such as cumin or fennel seeds, to experiment with different flavors.
- This bread keeps well wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container and can be reheated in the oven or in a skillet.
- A delicious variation is to add olives or fresh herbs to the dough for extra flavor.

This traditional Moroccan flatbread recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of Moroccan culture to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite with your loved ones!