Armenian tahini bread (tahinov hatz)

Bread is a bit of a misnomer here. This is more like a not-so-sweet sweet pastry bun-cookie. The basic idea is to roll out some dough into a circle and brush it with a tahini mixture, then roll it up into a long tube which is then curled around into a disk shaped bun. Baked into a cookie-like pastry end product. Simple, yet delicious.

The recipe popped into our Facebook time line (Ani is a silent partner) from an Armenian recipe site and struck a chord with her and her mom. Who knows why it never occurred to them before to make it for me. The first batch at the recommended 6 buns was a bit too something, bready? So the second batch went smaller by dividing into 12 buns, way better right sized. They got a chance to use our fancy wood cylinder rolling pin we grabbed at the Burlington Farmer's Market on a family wedding weekend. Apparently it works really well here. bob just watched and did his imperfect amateur food photography. And the taste testing while warm fresh out of the oven. Best time to sample this recipe.

ingredients

Dough:
3 cups flour
3 t baking powder
1/4 t table salt
1/4 c vegetable oil
3/4 c warm water
Filling:
1/4 c tahini (sesame paste)
1/4 c vegetable oil
3/4 c sugar

instructions

  1. In your kitchen stand mixer (think KitchenAid) mix the flour, baking powder and salt.
  2. Add the oil and mix a few minutes and gradually add the warm water. Mix until the dough is soft. Depending on the flour and circumstances, it might take a bit more water.
  3. Hand roll the dough into a long cylinder (about 22 in) and divide into 12 equal parts. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare the filling by mixing the tahini, oil and sugar in a small bowl.
  5. Roll each piece of dough into a circle about half a cm (1/5 inch?) thick.
  6. Use a pastry brush to spread a generous even layer of the tahini mixture over the circle, without getting too close to the edge (which would lead to oozing later).
  7. Roll each one up and pinch the ends to contain the filling, then coil it around to create a circular bun (pinwheel?) and press flat with the palm of your hand.
  8. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with veggie spray.
  9. Bake in a 375° F preheated oven for 30 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes to give them some nice brown color.
  10. Remove and let cool enough so they don't burn your mouth as you scarf down at least one while it is freshly baked and warm.

notes

  1. From the International Armenian Cuisine and More Facebook page recipe for tahini bread.
  2. Illustrations available.
tahinibread.htm: 26-nov-2021 [what, ME cook? © 1984 dr bob enterprises]