Onion Fatayer Bread
A fragrant, golden Middle Eastern flatbread studded with sweet caramelized onions and warm spices.
Ingredients
- •3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- •1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- •1 teaspoon sugar
- •1 cup warm water (240ml)
- •1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml), plus extra for brushing
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- •2 tablespoons sumac
- •1 tablespoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/2 teaspoon salt (for the onions)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and 1 teaspoon of salt, then pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- 3
Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little extra flour if it is too sticky.
- 4
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- 5
While the dough rises, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the sliced onions.
- 6
Sauté the onions slowly for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and caramelized.
- 7
Remove the onions from the heat and stir in the sumac, cumin, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a large baking sheet.
- 9
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces, rolling each piece into a ball.
- 10
Roll out each ball into an oval flatbread about 1/4-inch thick and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- 11
Spread a generous amount of the spiced caramelized onion mixture evenly over each piece of dough.
- 12
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges of the bread are golden brown and the bottom is crisp.
- 13
Remove from the oven, brush the crust edges lightly with olive oil, and let cool slightly before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Take your time caramelizing the onions on low heat to develop a rich, sweet flavor without burning them.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, and reheat in a hot oven or toaster before serving.
- You can easily make this recipe pareve and naturally vegan by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished bread features a golden, crisp-yet-chewy crust topped with intensely savory, spiced onions that release a deeply comforting aroma.