Flatbread Recipe
Flatbread is one of the oldest types of bread, dating back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that early civilizations in the Middle East and North Africa were making flatbread as far back as 14,000 years ago.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling Pin
- skillet or griddle
- Cooking brush (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for garlic flatbread)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (for a Middle Eastern twist)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. If you're adding garlic powder, fresh herbs, or cumin seeds, mix them in at this stage.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the olive oil and warm water.
- Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or your hands until it starts to come together into a dough.
- Knead the dough in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it's too dry, add a little more water.
- Rest the Dough:Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough later.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a flat circle, about 1/4 inch thick. You can make the flatbreads thinner or thicker, depending on your preference.
- Cook the Flatbread:Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You can brush the skillet with a little oil, but it’s not necessary if you’re using a non-stick pan.
- Place one of the rolled-out dough circles onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on the first side until bubbles start to form on the surface.
- Flip the flatbread and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown spots appear.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions. Stack the cooked flatbreads on a plate and cover them with a towel to keep them warm.