Maryam's Bread

Maryam's Bread (Arabic: خبز مريم) (lit. Mary's Bread), also known as Yellow Bread (Arabic: الخبز الأصفر) is a traditional Eastern Arabian flatbread originating from Qatif, Saudi Arabia.^[1][2] The bread is notable for its golden color, use of date molasses,^[2][3] and its cultural significance in both Islamic and pre-Islamic traditions.^[3][4] Though its exact historical evolution remains undocumented, historical scholars suggest its origins may trace back approximately 2,000 years to the Nestorian Christian era in Qatif, predating Islam.^[3][5]

Maryam's Bread

Type	Flatbread
Course	Side dish
Place of origin	Qatif
Associated cuisine	Arabian cuisine
Serving temperature	Warm or at room temperature

History

While the exact timeline of its development remains unclear, it is believed that Maryam's Bread may have originated during the Nestorian Christian period in Qatif, approximately 2,000 years ago.^[6][5] The tradition of its preparation has been preserved through generations of local families, particularly in Qatif.^[7]

Etymology

The bread's primary name derives from the Virgin Mary (Maryam bint Imran in Arabic), reflecting local folklore that suggests she used to bake and consume this type of bread.^[3] The alternative name "Yellow Bread" refers to its distinctive golden color, achieved through the combination of eggs and date molasses in the recipe.^[7]

Cultural and religious significance

The bread holds significant cultural importance in Qatif during the annual commemoration of Maryam bint Imran's death, observed on the 25th of Safar (Hijri calendar). The observance, which includes communal bread-making, is believed to have roots in pre-Islamic practices of the region's early Christian communities.^[3][5][7]

Preparation

The dough undergoes fermentation before being hand-shaped into circular discs. Prior to baking, the surface is brushed with egg wash and sprinkled with seeds. Traditionally, the bread is baked in a tannur, though modern adaptations may use conventional ovens.^[2]

Ingredients

• Basic ingredients: wheat flour, water, and yeast
• Sweetening agents: date molasses or whole dates
• Enriching ingredients: eggs, yogurt, and olive oil
• Toppings: sesame seeds and nigella seeds