American food with Middle Eastern flare at Boutros in Cobble Hill

COBBLE HILL, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Boutros is the almost year old restaurant on Atlantic Avenue in Cobble Hill where you'll find new American food with Middle Eastern influences, so think seven spices or Aleppo pepper.

The chef is only 28 years old. Allen Dabagh named his restaurant for his father who he says has given him everything.

Allen even built the restaurant.

His kitchen opens onto the restaurant so he can see diners enjoying their meals.

He already has a big following.

Allen showed us how to make his za'atar rolls during Neighborhood Eats. Yum!

Learn more about the restaurant at boutrosbk.com.

Boutros Za'atar Bread

14 oz Water

2 Cups All Purpose Flour

1 tsp Black Pepper

1 tbsp Kosher Salt

4 tbsp Za'atar Spice

2 tsp Yeast

4 oz Olive Oil

Maldon Salt/Sea Salt to Finish

Oven Temperatures:

550 degrees then lowered to 425 degrees

Equipment required:

Mixer

Measuring cups

Baking Pan

Parchment Paper

Time:

Prep Time: 3 Hours to 24 Hours

Procedure

1. Place water and flour into mixer, a mix on low for one minute to allow the flour to incorporate with the water, once incorporated, increase speed to medium and allow to mix for 4 minutes. Once Mixed allow to rest for 5 minutes in the bowl.

2. When the flour and water mix is rested, add the remaining ingredients and mix on low for 4 minutes to incorporate the za'atar, salt, black pepper, yeast and oil. Once incorporated increase speed to medium and let it mix for an additional 4 minutes. Place into a bowl that is rubbed with olive oil and allow to rest and rise for 2 hrs on the counter and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. For best results we recommend to let it rise slowly for 24 hours.

3. Once it has risen. Preheat you oven to the highest temperature setting. Place the dough onto a floured surface and fold the dough by hand to collapse some air pockets. Then you can begin to cut the dough into small even portions and roll by hand into a ball, using the palm of your hand. When the ball is formed, press the top of the dough into a bowl that has additional Za'atar to crust the top. Place onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper that is rubbed with olive oil. Allow the dough to rise for an additional hour on the baking pan, this will allow to bread to have soft and airy center.

4. Place the bread into the oven, then lower the oven temperature down to 425 degrees. Bake for 12 minutes, then spin the tray and bake for an additional 8 minutes. Bake times may vary based on the accuracy of your oven so check the bread often. You are looking for a golden brown crust.

5. Remove from the oven, while hot, drizzle additional olive oil over the top, finish with Maldon Salt or Sea Salt and enjoy.