Communion Bread (Khubz al-Qurban)

Ingredients

• 6 cups sifted flour
• 2 tablespoons instant yeast + 1 tablespoon sugar, dissolved together in a little water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange blossom water (ma' al-zahr)
• 2 cups lukewarm water for kneading
• For the topping:
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water

Method

1. Dissolve the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar in a little water.
2. Add this mixture to the flour, add 1 cup sugar and mix, then gradually add the water together with 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water.
3. Knead until the dough comes together and is smooth.
4. Lightly dust a clean surface with a little flour, roll the dough with a rolling pin leaving it thick.
5. Cut into small rounds, place the pieces on baking paper on a tray and let them rest for at least 1 hour.
   Timers: 60 min
6. Prick the breads halfway through with very small holes, like pinheads — do this before baking.
7. Bake the communion bread for about 12 minutes at 180°C (356°F), then brown the tops for just 1 minute.
   Timers: 12 min, 1 min
8. Remove the communion bread from the oven and immediately brush the hot tops with the mixture of water, sugar and orange blossom water that were dissolved together.