A common sight in Aseer homes, this authentic bread is made from wheat flour and traditionally served with broth, stew, ghee, and "Radheefa."
The preparation of Meyfa bread entails a unique method of crafting its dough, followed by a meticulous fermentation process spanning several hours. Portions of the fermented dough, known as Al-Tawshat, are preserved, and utilized in subsequent bread-making endeavors, serving as a natural source for fermenting the dough each time, imparting a distinctive and authentic flavor to the bread. Some families maintain these Tawshats for extended periods, gradually augmenting them over time to perpetuate the tradition of natural fermentation.
raditionally, Meyfa bread is expertly baked using wood fire within a tannour, a cylindrical clay oven, until the base becomes embers. Subsequently, the interior of the tannour is meticulously cleansed using a damp cloth to eliminate any residual ash or burning remnants. The dough is then shaped into oval discs and carefully affixed to the inner walls of the Meyfa, one after the other, until the desired quantity or capacity is achieved.
Once in place, the Meyfa is enveloped with several burlap bags, sealed with an iron sheet, and left undisturbed for approximately fifteen minutes, or until the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread permeates the air. Upon completion, the Meyfa bread is delicately detached from the sides of the oven using a knife edge, revealing its distinctive reddish hue, a testament to the skill and artistry involved in its preparation.
Crafted from the bountiful wheat fields of the Sarawat Mountains, Meyfa bread embodies the essence of tradition and sustenance, with some variations incorporating red corn grains, known as Al-Zaer, particularly prevalent in the Tihama regions where it is cultivated.
Esteemed as an indispensable staple in Aseer, Meyfa bread supplants commercial bread types, captivating the palates of all who partake in its wholesome goodness. Its allure is particularly pronounced during the holy month of Ramadan, where it reigns supreme on dining tables.
