Bataw (bread) facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Eish fellahi |
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| Type | Flatbread |
| Place of origin | Egypt |
| Main ingredients | Barley, corn, wheat and ground fenugreek seeds |
Bataw (Egyptian Arabic: بتاو) is a special type of flatbread that comes from Egypt. It's a "leavened" bread, which means it uses something like yeast to make it rise and become light and airy. This bread is very popular, especially in the countryside areas of Egypt. The ingredients used to make Bataw can be a bit different depending on where you are in Egypt.
What is Bataw?
Bataw is a traditional Egyptian bread. It's a flatbread, meaning it's thin and usually round. People in Egypt have been making and eating Bataw for a very long time. It's an important part of their daily meals, especially for farmers.
Different Kinds of Bataw
The ingredients for Bataw can change from one part of Egypt to another.
- In a place called Asyut, Bataw is often made using barley or corn. Sometimes, they even mix barley with wheat to make it.
- If you go to Akhmim, you'll find Bataw commonly made with corn and a special spice called fenugreek. Fenugreek gives it a unique flavor.
- Further south, in a region known as Upper Egypt, specifically in Qena, Bataw is made only with barley. This shows how local ingredients influence the bread.
How Bataw is Made
Making Bataw is a traditional process:
- First, the dough is shaped into small, round balls.
- These dough balls are then placed into an oven.
- Traditionally, a long wooden spoon called a maghrafa (Egyptian Arabic: مغرفة) is used. The baker uses the bottom of this spoon to flatten the dough balls inside the hot oven.
- The bread bakes until it turns a nice brown color and becomes crispy.
- Once it's ready, the warm, crusty loaf is taken out of the oven.
How People Enjoy Bataw
In the Egyptian countryside, Bataw is a favorite food for farmers. They often eat it as a light meal between breakfast and dinner. It's commonly paired with different kinds of soft white cheeses. This simple meal helps them stay energized throughout their day.
