BRUSSELS, March 5. /"Dunyo" IA /. An article spotlighting Uzbek flatbread was recently featured on the website of the renowned Belgian daily publication in Dutch, "De Tijd".

The author portrays Central Asia as a region seamlessly blending age-old traditions, contemporary elements, and an aura of mystique.

"Bread holds a sacred significance for the Uzbek people, with numerous legends and proverbs venerating its importance. One such legend recounts the tale of Bukhara khan, who, upon tasting the Samarkand bread, summoned the city’s finest baker to replicate it in Bukhara. However, despite the baker’s efforts, the bread’s taste remained distinct. It was discovered that neither the flour nor the water replicated the essence of Samarkand. Ultimately, the baker concluded that the air of Samarkand was the missing ingredient", the author narrates.

The article highlights that approximately 12 thousand flatbreads are freshly baked daily in Samarkand. The recipe, while simple, involves preparing yeast dough the night before and allowing it to ferment overnight. In the morning, the dough is divided into round portions, with the center gently pressed down to prevent puffing.

"Each piece of dough receives a small pointed stamp, followed by a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a brush of egg yolk and butter, lending it a delightful golden hue", the author concludes.