Komaj - Persian Stuffed Bread

Komaj is one of the most unique breads I have come across . This bread consists of most unusual flavors like cumin seeds and turmeric . The stuffing is made with dates and cardamom powder. You will naturally wonder what kind of weird combination is this. But trust me it works amazingly. This stuff bread tastes superb with a hot cup of tea. Have it warm to get the real taste of this delcious bread. I baked it as a challenge for we-knead-to-bake an event by aparna . She has taken the recipe from the book  Saraban – A Chef’sJourney Through Persia.

Ingredients  for the bread :

3 cups ...................... all purpose flour
1 tsp........................dry active yeast
1/2 tsp ...................sugar
4 tbsp .....................sugar powder
1/2 tsp .................salt
1/8 cup ..............warm water
1/2 tsp................turmeric powder
2 tsp...................cumin seeds ( slightly crushed)
1........................egg
2/3 cup...........warm milk
1 n 1/2 tbsp....oil




Ingredients for the filling :


10 - 12 ....................soft deseeded dates ( chopped)
1 tsp.........................crushed cardamom
1 tbsp.....................soft unsalted butter

Mix these three thoroughly and keep aside to fill in the buns.

Milk for brushing

1tsp...................cumin seeds ( slightly crushed)










Method :

Dissolve yeast sugar and water in a bowl and set it aside for 10 minutes .

In another bowl mix well flour, turmeric powder , cumin seeds , sugar powder and salt.

Now add the yeast mixture which would have formed a froth to this flour bowl.

Mix everything very well and add milk and oil.

Knead for 5 minutes till you get a soft , elastic and non sticky dough.

Keep the dough covered in a well greased bowl for 1 hour and let it rise.

After 1 hour punch the dough and deflate it and again let it rise for 1 more hour.

Now make 8 equal ball of the dough and roll them 1/8 " ovals or rectangles.

Brush them with milk and keep a tsp of filling at corner of this rolled rectangle.

Now cover this filling with the other side of rectangle and press all sides to seal well.

Now with a cookie cutter cut the dough taking care that the filling doesn't come out.

Keep these rounds on greased baking tray and let them rise for 15 minutes.

Now brush them with milk and sprinkle some crushed cumin on top of each round bun.

Bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes.

Have the buns warm while eating.