Maryam's Bread
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| Type | Flatbread |
|---|---|
| Course | Side dish |
| Place of origin | Qatif |
| Associated cuisine | Arabian cuisine |
| Serving temperature | Warm or at room temperature |
Maryam's Bread (Arabic: خبز مريم, lit. 'Mary's Bread'), also known as Yellow Bread (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]
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]