Part 4/9:
Crafting the Flatbread: Ingredients and Process
To recreate our ancient bread, we require:
2.5 cups (350 grams) of emmer wheat or barley
1 cup (240 milliliters) of water
0.5 teaspoon of salt (for flavor)
1 cup (224 grams) of optional sourdough starter or other leavening agents
Following a traditional method, the process begins with grinding the emmer wheat, which can be a laborious task reminiscent of ancient methods. While modern equipment steepens the grind, hand grinding presents a more authentic texture. However, it's essential to note that ancient grain flour retained a certain grittiness, a factor supported by mummy studies revealing dental erosion attributed to eating such coarse bread.