The division of pieces of bread is generally known into two groups: The first group includes flatbreads such as Barbari, Lavash, Sangak, Pita, Tortilla, and Taftoon. The second group includes bulk sandwiches and baguettes.
In this post, we want to know more about flat stone bread, Sangak. So, join us.
History of flat stone bread
Historically, Sangak bread was prepared for the treatment of one of the Sassanid kings after an illness by a court physician, and since then, the use of this bread has become very important due to its nutritional value. In addition to having healing properties, this flat stone was used by aristocrats in the past. Flat Sangak bread is one of the traditional breads and one of the oldest breads baked in Iran. Among the traditional flatbreads in Iran, which include Lavash, Taftoon, and Barbari flatbreads, Sangak flatbread is the best type of bread according to nutrition experts, and it is even said that this bread is the best in the world! Sangak flatbread has unique healing properties because it is made from whole wheat flour. In preparing the Sangak flatbread is very easy to digest and has a unique taste and smell. It is safe to say that if the principles of cooking this bread are observed, it could be one of the best flatbreads in the world. Sangak is prepared as a traditional bread with the intervention of hands. It can be used with tasty cumin and sesame seeds, which will make its taste indescribable.
In preparing the Sangak flatbread dough, 3 simple ingredients are used,
- Whole wheat flour which is more healthy and high-quality flour
- A very little salt
- Water
Baking soda or any other substance cannot be used in the preparation of this bread.
Sheikh Baha’l and How to bake rock Sangak flatbread
We must go back to the time of Abbas the Great (Shah Abbas) the 5th Safavid king of Iran in 16th century.
At that time, the army was always traveling and there must be enough bread in the routes they arrived to feed them, so Shah Abbas thought of a way to get help from the scientist of that time, Sheikh Baha’i, a prodigy who not only excelled in mathematics, philosophy, and logic but also always took the lead in solving people’s problems. The army was always traveling and had to use different flours of each city to prepare the bread. The bread had to be prepared in such a way that it would not fall apart, be usable, and facilitate digestion, so Sheikh Baha’i invented Sangak flatbread, which is made of a mixture of flour and wheat bran. Due to the softness of Sangak bread dough, Sheikh Baha’i invented the Sangaki oven. The Sangak oven is has a special design, and filled with small peblles. The pebbles will be heated and the soft dough of Sangak will be placed on them to be baked. Sangak flatbread is considered the national bread of Iran.
Features of Sangak bread
Sangak bread is made from whole wheat flour. Sangak contains protein, vitamins, calcium, and iron. Good features of this bread include nutrition, flavor, and aroma. The traditional way of baking this bread and its distinctive shape and taste from other bread has made it very valuable in Iranian culture and table.
The use of this bread is highly recommended for children, especially when the child is growing, the iron in flatbread makes children well behaved. The fiber present in flatbread will facilitate digestion and increase nutritional value.
Sangak flatbread
The flour used in the preparation of this bread, as we mentioned, is made from whole wheat flour with bran. Not only Sangak is low in salt, but also wheat bran used in this bread is very important because of the beneficial amounts of fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E which is highly recommended for skin and nerve diseases. Sangak is recommended in the diet of obese people diet because the bran in it causes a lot of space in the stomach and this will prevent overeating.
Is Sangak flatbread also consumed outside of Iran?
Yes, this delicious traditional tandoori bread has found its place in many European countries, United States, and Canada.
In Russia, you can find traces of this delicious bread, so that it is believed that this bread is one of the most delicious bread in the world. In Germany, several Sangak bread production branches have been set up and have been able to attract tough customers.