Homemade Flatbread

Homemade Flatbread Recipe - Vegetarian Recipe with Yeast and Whole Wheat Flour

Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Flatbread is a versatile and delicious staple in many cuisines around the world. This homemade flatbread recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving alongside your favorite dishes.

History

Flatbreads have been a part of human diets for thousands of years, with evidence of their existence dating back to ancient civilizations. They are a simple and versatile food that can be made with just a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients

1 package of dry active yeast
1.25 cups of warm water
2.75 cups of unbleached, all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
0.25 cup of whole wheat flour or coarsely ground rye flour
2 tsp of kosher salt
2 tsp of crushed fennel seed
olive oil for brushing breads

How to prepare

Combine yeast and water in the bowl of an electric mixer.
Let it rest until foamy, about 15 minutes.
Using the paddle attachment, incorporate the flours into the yeast mixture.
Beat in the salt and fennel seeds.
Switch to the dough hook and knead for 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the dough and place it into a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
Cover the dough with plastic and allow it to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch down the dough, cover it, and let it rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a work surface and divide it into 8 balls, about 3 oz (85 g) each.
Place the balls on a floured cookie sheet, cover them with a damp towel, and let them rest for 20 minutes.
Dust the work surface with flour and roll the balls into 7-inch round disks, dusting with flour as needed.
Prepare a hot charcoal or stovetop grill.
Lightly brush the disks with olive oil.
Place the disks, oiled side down, on the grill.
The breads will begin to rise almost immediately.
When they are brown, flip them over, brush them again, and cook until brown.
Remove them from the grill.

Variations

Add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
Use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a different texture.
Top the flatbreads with cheese, vegetables, or meats before grilling for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the yeast mixture rest until foamy before adding the flour.

- Knead the dough for at least 5 to 7 minutes to develop gluten and create a light and airy texture.

- Use a hot grill to cook the flatbreads quickly and evenly.

- Brush the flatbreads with olive oil before grilling to add flavor and prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this homemade flatbread with your favorite dips, spreads, or grilled meats for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the flatbreads on a hot grill gives them a delicious charred flavor and crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use different types of flour or add-ins to customize this recipe to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the flatbreads on a platter with a variety of toppings for a beautiful and appetizing display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this homemade flatbread with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or a hearty stew for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover flatbreads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or on the grill before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this homemade flatbread contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this homemade flatbread contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this homemade flatbread contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this homemade flatbread contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This homemade flatbread is a good source of iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour.

Summary

This homemade flatbread is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Homemade flatbread is a delicious and versatile addition to any meal, and this recipe is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Enjoy the light and airy texture of these flatbreads alongside your favorite dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a warm summer day, and I had just arrived at my friend Maria's house for our weekly cooking exchange. Maria was known for her delicious homemade flatbread, and I had been eager to learn her secret recipe for years.

As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of her homemade lemonade. We chatted and caught up on each other's lives as we prepared the ingredients for the flatbread.

Maria began by showing me how to mix the flour, yeast, salt, and water together in a large mixing bowl. She demonstrated the proper technique for kneading the dough until it was smooth and elastic. As I watched her work, I couldn't help but marvel at the skill and precision with which she handled the dough.

After letting the dough rise for an hour, Maria divided it into small balls and rolled them out into thin rounds. She then cooked the flatbreads on a hot griddle until they were golden brown and puffed up beautifully. The sight of the flatbreads cooking filled me with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria shared with me the story of how she had learned to make flatbread from her own grandmother. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and she was honored to be able to share it with me.

I savored every bite of the warm, freshly baked flatbread, topped with a dollop of creamy hummus and a sprinkle of fragrant herbs. The simple flavors and rustic textures of the dish transported me back to my own childhood, when my own grandmother would cook for our family with love and care.

After our meal, Maria presented me with a handwritten copy of the flatbread recipe, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips. I thanked her profusely and promised to practice making the dish at home.

Over the following weeks, I experimented with the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and techniques to suit my own taste. I added a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor and brushed the flatbreads with olive oil before baking to give them a golden sheen.

Each time I made the flatbread, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and to Maria's family. I imagined the countless hands that had lovingly prepared this dish over the years, passing down the tradition from one generation to the next.

As I continued to perfect my technique, I began to share the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy of homemade flatbread to all who tasted it. The simple act of cooking and sharing this dish brought people together in a way that transcended language and culture.

Today, whenever I make homemade flatbread, I think of Maria and her grandmother, of my own grandmother and the countless others who have inspired me along the way. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the memories it holds and the connections it fosters.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it is comforting to know that some things remain timeless and true. The art of cooking, the pleasure of sharing a meal with loved ones, and the joy of discovering a new recipe – these are the things that truly matter.

And so, as I knead the dough and roll out the flatbreads, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and contentment. For in these simple moments of creation and connection, I find peace and fulfillment, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that will endure for generations to come.