The Recipe

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Yield

60-70 Ka'aks

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Prep time

20 minutes

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Baking time

30 minutes

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Total time

50 minutes

What you'll need?

  • Large mixing bowl: For mixing and kneading the dough.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients.
  • Baking sheet: For placing the shaped dough rings.
  • Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet.
  • Small bowl: For beating the egg (egg wash).
  • Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash to the dough rings.
  • Wire rack: For cooling the Ka’ak after baking.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (500 grams) of flour
  • 1 tablespoon (10 grams) of backing powder
  • 1/3 cup (75 milliliters) of vegetable oil (olive oil can be great)
  • 1/2 tablespoon (8 gram) of sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon (10 gram) of salt
  • 1 cup (240 millilitres) of water

For egg wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 6 spoons of water
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, backing powder, sugar, salt. Mix well.
    • Add the vegetable oil and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add the water, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly.
  2. Knead the Dough:
    • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
  3. Shape the Ka’ak:
    • Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C).
    • Divide the dough into equal portions, depending on the size of the ka’ak you want to make.
    • Roll each portion into a thin rope and then shape it into a ring, pressing the ends together to seal.
  4. Apply Egg Wash and Sesame Seeds:
    • Brush the tops of the rings with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake the ka’ak in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the ka’ak to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your savory homemade Libyan Ka’ak!