Last Updated on January 11, 2020 by Chef Mireille
Omani Date Flatbread is filled with buttery and flaky layers. A perfect accompaniment to any meal.
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Oman is a small Middle Eastern country that manages to stay out of the news, a fact of which I am very glad since I do have family in Oman. Yes I come from a very large extended family with my mom being one of 25 kids and my dad being one of 10 kids. For this reason, I have cousins in the hundreds. With that many people, I have family in just about every corner of the world, including this small Middle Eastern country. In fact, this isn’t the first time I have explored Omani cuisine.
Don’t forget to check out my recipe for Omani Okra Stew with Goat (although beef or lamb can be easily substituted). It pairs wonderfully with this Maldouf, which is usually eaten with Omani stews. However, I think it is just as delicious with some grilled halloumi and fresh tomatoes for breakfast. No matter how you choose to enjoy your Maldouf, you will fall in love with the soft and flaky layers.
So how are all these flaky layers achieved? Well the secret is to brush melted ghee in between the dough when you are rolling it out. I used the same technique when making Tanzania Chapatti.
Flatbreads are so versatile as they pair deliciously with savory stews or curries but are also great for breakfast with eggs, cheese and/or vegetables. Would you like to try some more flatbreads?
Flatbread Recipes
- Bazlama – Turkish Yogurt Flatbread
- Emirati Khameer
- Paneer Mint Kulcha
- Pita Bread
- Green Pea Paratha
- Kashmiri Naan
- Pol Roti – Sri Lankan Coconut Flatbread
- Khobz – Yemeni Flatbread
- Aloo Kulcha – Indian Potato Flatbread
- Lefse – Norwegian Potato Flatbread
- Turnbrod – Swedish Rye Flatbread
HOW TO MAKE MALDOUF – DATE FLATBREAD
Perfect with Omani Okra Stew with Goat
Omani Maldouf – Date Flatbread
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the dates in a bowl. Cover with 1 cup of boiling water. Leave for at least 2 hours to soften.
- In a food processor, puree very well until you have a smooth consistency.
- Pass through a sieve pressing the date puree through and wiping all excess date liquid on the back of the sieve.
- Date puree will be a thick syrup consistency.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add egg and ghee and mix until you have a shaggy dough.
- Start to knead the dough, adding the date puree a little at a time, as needed.
- Add 1-2 tablespoon of water if needed, to get a soft and pliable dough.
- Knead about 5 minutes until you have a dough that is smooth.
- Divide dough into 9 5.5 oz. equal sized pieces and roll into smooth balls.
- Cover with a damp cloth and leave to rest for 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball to a circle about 10” in diameter.
- Brush the top with ghee.
- Fold over the top and then the bottom.
- Brush with more ghee.
- Fold in the sides to form a square.
- Brush the top with ghee again. Sprinkle a little flour on top.
- Gently roll dough into an 8” square.
- Heat a skillet/roti iron/tawa. Brush a little ghee on the skillet.
- When air bubbles form, flip over and cook another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Repeat until all the dough has been cooked.
Notes
Nutrition
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I have never heard of DATE flatbread…only savoury flatbread. This sounds interesting…a sweet flatbread.
I may have to experiment in the kitchen and give this recipe a try.
despite the natural sweetness of dates, it’s more savory than sweet and meant to accompany savory foods
There’s nothing like warm flatbread! I’ve never heard of one that has dates in it, but I’d love to give it a try. Looks delicious
yes it’s a very versatile bread that’s great with breakfast or any savory stew
I love dates so this is a great way to include them into a recipe, need to try this soon!
then you are sure to love this fltabread especially with all its flaky layers 🙂
Flatbreads are so good and fairly easy to make, this version looks tasty and flaky, I need to try your recipe. Craving some good flatbreads for eating alone or with my meals.
the flaky layers are so awesome – I promise you!
You had me at flaky flatbread. This date flatbread is sure to make any dish stand out.
Yes they can truly be accompanied by any meal!
These sound fantastic! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this type of flatbread. The dates in the mix has got to be fantastic! Great photos on how to do the folding & rolling. Looking forward to trying these!
I am sure you will have as much fun making them as eating them 🙂
I come from a very small family, and can’t even imagine having that large a family! Anyway, I absolutely love the idea of this flatbread, buttery flaky layers are my favorite! Go Oman!
yep I am sure will love this bread
This date flatbread sounds scrumptious and quite easy to make! Wow can’t imagine having 25 kids to feed that’s amazing! Must be great to have such a big family!
with different mothers, they weren’t ever all in the same house at the same time 🙂
25 kids? Oh my….I can’t believe how fun it is to be in that house! And this omani sounds delicious because I’m a big fan of date and halloumi. Definitely a must-try recipe!
they did not all grow up together as they had different mothers but now when the whole family gets together it is such a blast!
I lived in Dubai for several years and I have never come across this one. Even had a short trip to Oman. But I am so thrilled to discover it here because I am having so many ideas and constantly crave Middle Eastern dishes. Thanks so much for sharing this gem of a recipe! And okra stew is the BOMB!
I would love the opportunity to experience another culture in that way and the food must have been delicious – I am sure you will love this meal just as much!
Your pictures are making me hungry!!!! I need to up.my game on flat breads and I will start with this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
well – there are several links in the post – You can start working on creating all of these 🙂
Flatbreads are always a great hit….use of dates in it making it more delicious !!!
yes dates add a nice mild sweetness to the bread!
Looks so delicious, flaky and well baked. Date flatbread is new to me.will love to try it someday!!.
it’s really such a flaky and delicious one. You should try it 🙂
I would never have thought to put dates in a flatbread but this is so delicious! Appreciate the step by step photos as well 🙂
yes in Africa and India flatbreads will be stuffed with just about anything and this is one delicious example
That is such an interesting flatbread made with dates – they look so flaky and delicious. Dates us definitely an interesting addition.
yes the flaky layers are so yum
Indeed you have one big extended family. The more the merrier. 🙂 I would love those flat-breads with some sweet sauce at the side.
yes they would be just as delicious with some chutney
This is an interesting recipe with date filling.. somewhat like Indian Puran Poli.
thank you – it really is such a delicious flatbread!
Love this date flatbread which I have only eaten once a long time ago. Thanks for sharing the recipe which is reallyeasy to follow.
then it’s time to try it again 🙂 I am sure you will enjoy it!
I love this bread especially on weekends. It goes with almost everything. However, I tried to find nutrition information but couldn’t find any. I need to know calories per piece to manage my intake as part of my diet. Could you please assist.
I’ve just updated the post with the nutritional info. You can find it now on the bottom of the recipe card. Enjoy!
Thanks heaps love
your welcome and I would love to see how yours come out. You can always tag me with any of my recipes that you try @chefmireille on Instagram. Thanks!
A slightly sweetish flatbread with a curry, definitely goes well together. Therefore you sure are tempting me to try out Omani Maldouf. I think it would taste good on its own with coffee as a breakfast option.
Yes it is just as delicious for breakfast with coffee and a bit of salty cheese.
This sweet omani maldouf date flatbread must compliment a spicy curry. I love the way it’s been folded by brushing ghee on all sides. This must help create the layers.