Making easy flatbreads at home is a quick and versatile way to enjoy fresh bread with various meals. Here’s a basic recipe for simple flatbreads:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add Oil: Drizzle the olive oil (or vegetable oil) into the flour mixture. Mix it in using a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add Warm Water: Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring with a spoon or your hands. Start with 3/4 cup of water, but you may need slightly more or less to achieve the right consistency. The dough should come together into a soft and slightly sticky ball.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface (use extra all-purpose flour as needed to prevent sticking) and knead it for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a little extra flour to dust your hands and the surface if necessary.
- Rest the Dough: Place the dough back in the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.
- Divide and Shape: After resting, divide the dough into small portions (usually about golf ball-sized) and roll each portion into a ball. You can make as many flatbreads as you like.
- Roll Out the Flatbreads: Take one dough ball and flatten it with your hands. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a thin circle or oval shape. You can make them as thin or thick as you prefer.
- Cook on a Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one of the rolled-out flatbreads onto the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until you see bubbles forming and the bread starts to puff up.
- Serve: Remove the flatbread from the skillet and place it on a plate. You can brush it with a little butter or olive oil and sprinkle with salt if desired. Repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.
- Enjoy: Serve the easy flatbreads warm as a side with your favorite dips, use them to make sandwiches, or enjoy them with various toppings and spreads.
These easy flatbreads are a versatile addition to your homemade bread repertoire. You can customize them by adding herbs, spices, or grated cheese to the dough for extra flavor. They’re perfect for a quick meal or snack.