Loading ...Easy Two-Ingredient Jerusalem-Style Sesame Bread
By: Blanche Shaheen/Arab America Contributing Writer
Jerusalem’s Old City is home to some of the most historic and beloved Palestinian bakeries, known for crafting the iconic ka’ak bi simsim—the golden, sesame-crusted bread that fills the streets with its irresistible aroma. This oval-shaped, slightly hollow bread is crunchy on the outside, soft and airy inside, and often enjoyed with a side of za’atar and olive oil, or fresh out of the fryer falafel.
For over 70 years, three Palestinian bakeries have been at the heart of ka’ak-making in Jerusalem, carrying on the tradition from one generation to the next. Everytime I have visited Jerusalem, part of my ritual was buying fresh ka’ak bi simsim from one of these legendary bakeries.
Ka’ak isn’t just bread—it’s a symbol of Palestinian heritage and daily life in Jerusalem. For centuries, Palestinian bakers have kept the tradition alive, despite restrictions and rising production costs. It remains a staple of Jerusalem’s street food culture, enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.
Traditionally, ka’ak sellers roam the Old City with their carts, calling out to passersby. It is often paired with labneh, olives, or tea and is a must-have for locals, tourists, and pilgrims visiting the Holy City.
While some Palestinian bakeries have faced closures due to political and economic pressures, these historic establishments continue to bake Jerusalem’s most beloved bread, keeping its legacy alive for future generations.
However, when that craving for this bread hits far removed from Jerusalem, I make my own shortcut for this special sesame bread at home with only two main ingredients. Instead of relying on yeast and long proofing times, this recipe uses Greek yogurt or cottage cheese mixed with flour to create a delicious, airy texture. The best part is this bread is packed with extra protein, making it a more satisfying and nutritious choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only 2 main ingredients – No fancy ingredients needed No yeast, no waiting – Mix, shape, and bake in under 30 minutes. Naturally high in protein – Thanks to Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Crispy, golden crust with a chewy, fluffy inside – Just like classic Jerusalem sesame bread. Perfect for dipping – Serve with hummus, labneh, or olive oil.
For the video technique on how to make this bread, click on the new video below:
Jerusalem-Style Sesame Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or 1 cup Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup self-rising flour if using cottage cheese, or 1 1/2 cups flour if using Greek yogurt
- If using regular flour, not self rising, add 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- My favorite flours to use are Caputo: https://amzn.to/3R3NzTF Or Francine: https://amzn.to/3Foz8Hf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Sesame seeds for topping
- Optional, whisked egg or milk for brushing loaves before baking
Directions:
- If not using self rising flour, add the baking powder, salt, and sugar into the flour and mix. Add the cottage cheese or yogurt, depending on your preference. Knead just until the dough is smooth and forms a ball. You can use olive oil on your hands to make this step easier.
- Shape into rings, then brush with optional egg wash or milk, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake at 375°F for about 20- 25 minutes or until golden brown, preferably on greased parchment paper over a cookie sheet.
- Wait 15 minutes before cutting and serve with your favorite dips!
Blanche Shaheen is an Emmy Award winning journalist, host of the YouTube cooking show called Feast in the Middle East, and cookbook author. For more authentic and classical Middle Eastern recipes, you can purchase her cookbook, “Feast In the Middle East here: https://secure.mybookorders.com/mbo_index.php?isbn=9781545675113 For her cooking video tutorials, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/blanchetv Her recipes can also be found at https://feastinthemiddleeast.wordpress.com/
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