Garlic Topping for Talami Bread
Ingredients
1 Tbsp prepared toum you can omit and substitute with more olive oil if you don't have any on hand
1 Tbsp good olive oil
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ tsp garlic powder I like the roasted garlic powder from the Spice House
½ tsp sea salt
1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
¼ cup warm water 105°-110° Fahrenheit
2 cups warm water 105°-110° Fahrenheit
4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp oil any high heat oil (like canola, safflower) works well
Directions
Combine ingredients together. Once your bread has proofed for the first time, evenly coat the top of the bread with the mixture using your hands. Afterwards, use your fingertips to make divots in the dough before baking (see talami recipe).
Combine your yeast, sugar, and ¼ cup warm water in the bowl of your stand mixer. Stir gently to combine and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. After 10 minutes your yeast should be bubbling / frothy.
In a separate bowl, combine your flour and salt – stir to combine.
Attach the paddle to your mixer and add the rest of the water and 2 cups of flour, using low speed to combine. The dough will be sticky, resist the temptation to add more flour!
Add the remaining flour and beat on medium high for 5-7 minutes. The dough may travel up the hook, or cause the machine to shake – so keep your eye on the mixer during this time.
Prepare a large baking sheet / pizza stone / pizza tray with parchment. You can scrape the dough out using a spatula onto the baking sheet. Using 1 Tbsp of the oil and your hands (you want your hands to be oily), either flatten as one large loaf or separate the dough into four pieces with your (well-oiled!) hands. Round and flatten each piece slightly and place on the parchment. Take some more of your oil and lightly pat the tops of each dough round with it – this helps prevent the plastic from sticking and gives a nice golden crust at the end.
Cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel and leave in a warm place to rise for an hour and a half.
Preheat your oven to 425° Fahrenheit (or 400° if convection).
After the dough has risen, remove the plastic and use your fingertips to create little divots in the dough. Pat the remaining oil into the tops of the dough and sprinkle with sesame, za'atar, nigella, or whatever herb or seed you choose.
Place the tray into your preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the bread is risen and golden brown.