Arabic Great Hamir Recipe: Fluffy Flatbread on a Copper Tawa

Discover the delightful world of Arabic Great Hamir, a fluffy flatbread that's a staple in many Middle Eastern households. This isn't your average flatbread; the secret lies in the specific flour blend and the masterful technique of cooking it on a traditional copper tawa. The result is a bread that boasts a uniquely soft interior and subtly crisp exterior, perfect for scooping up flavorful stews, dips, or simply enjoying on its own. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a bustling marketplace in the heart of Arabia. This recipe emphasizes authenticity, using simple ingredients readily available to home cooks.

Prepare to be amazed by the ease and simplicity of creating this culinary masterpiece. From preparing the dough to achieving the perfect level of puffiness on the copper tawa, this guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to ensure your Great Hamir turns out flawlessly every time. Let's embark on this delicious journey and start making this incredible flatbread!

Tools Needed

  • Bowl
  • Copper Tawa (or Aluminium with Mesh)
  • Stand (optional)

Ingredients

  • Flour: 500 grams
  • Egg: 1
  • Jethmal Piece
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon
  • Milk Powder: 1 tablespoon
  • Baking Powder
  • Dry Yeast: 1 tablespoon
  • Kalyan Powder
  • Saffron
  • Saffron Colour
  • Yogurt: 1 tablespoon
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Water
  • Ghee

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Dough

  • Add 500 grams of flour to a bowl.
  • Add one egg, jethmal piece, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk powder, baking powder, 1 tablespoon of dry yeast, kalyan powder, saffron, saffron colour, and 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of oil.
  • Gradually add water and mix well until a soft dough forms.
Add 500 grams of flour to a bowl.Add one egg, jethmal piece, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk powder, baking powder, 1 tablespoon of dry yeast, kalyan powder, saffron, saffron colour, and 1 tablespoon of yogurt.Add 2 tablespoons of oil.Gradually add water and mix well until a soft dough forms.
Prepare the Dough
  • Knead the dough thoroughly.
  • Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
Knead the dough thoroughly.Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
Prepare the Dough

Step 2. Shape and Proof the Dough

  • After an hour, roll the dough into small puri-sized circles.
After an hour, roll the dough into small puri-sized circles.
Shape and Proof the Dough

Step 3. Cook on the Copper Tawa

  • Prepare a bowl of water.
  • Heat the copper tawa (or aluminium with mesh) and add water to the bottom (optional)
  • Place the rolled dough onto the hot tawa.
  • Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
Prepare a bowl of water.Heat the copper tawa (or aluminium with mesh) and add water to the bottom (optional)Place the rolled dough onto the hot tawa.Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
Cook on the Copper Tawa
  • Flip the bread to cook the other side, using a stand for support if needed.
Flip the bread to cook the other side, using a stand for support if needed.
Cook on the Copper Tawa

Step 4. Finishing Touch

  • Add ghee after cooking.
Add ghee after cooking.
Finishing Touch

Read more: Emirati Chebab Pancakes: Authentic Arabic Breakfast Recipe

Tips

  • Ensure the dough is well-mixed for a better outcome.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 2200-2500
  • Fat: 40-50g
  • Carbs: 400-450g
  • Protein: 40-50g

FAQs

1. Can I use a regular pan instead of a copper tawa?

Yes, a cast iron skillet or even a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan will work, but the copper tawa provides optimal heat distribution for that characteristic puffiness.

2. What kind of flour is best for Great Hamir?

A blend of all-purpose and bread flour is ideal. The bread flour adds strength and helps create the fluffy texture.

3. How do I know when the Hamir is cooked?

Look for small bubbles to appear on the surface and a slightly golden-brown color. The bread should puff up nicely. Flip it when it's easily lifted from the tawa.


Making Arabic Great Hamir is a rewarding experience, bringing the tastes and traditions of the Middle East to your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfying puffiness and subtle flavor of this homemade flatbread, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Now go forth and create your own delicious batch of Great Hamir!