Homemade bread is one of the simplest yet most rewarding things you can make in your kitchen. This Soft Skillet Flatbread with Olive Oil is a fantastic and easy recipe that produces soft, pillowy bread with a beautiful golden crust, thanks to the addition of olive oil. The bread is cooked in a skillet, making it quick and convenient, with no need for an oven or yeast.
Perfectly versatile, this bread can be served as a side for soups and stews, or used as a base for sandwiches and wraps. The addition of yogurt makes the dough tender, while the olive oil on the crust gives it a delicious flavor that elevates any meal. Serve it warm with your favorite dips or spreads, or enjoy it plain right off the skillet.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- Flour – 4 cups (480 g)
- Yogurt – 1 cup (220 g)
- Water – 1 cup (200 ml)
- Baking powder – 1 packet (10 g)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (8 g)
- Vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon (10 ml)
For the Topping:
- Olive oil – 50 ml (for brushing the bread)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. This helps ensure that the bread rises evenly as it cooks.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Pour the yogurt, water, and vegetable oil into the flour mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to begin mixing the ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
- The yogurt adds both moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the bread, while the water helps hydrate the flour, creating a tender dough.
3. Shape the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly, just enough to bring the dough together. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until it’s soft but no longer sticks to your hands or the surface.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions, depending on the size you want for your bread. You can make 6-8 medium-sized pieces or 10-12 smaller portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a round shape about ½ inch thick.
4. Cook the Bread:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place one of the dough rounds into the skillet.
- Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know the bread is ready to flip when you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges start to set.
5. Brush with Olive Oil:
- Before flipping each bread, brush the top with olive oil. This will create a deliciously crisp and golden crust, adding a touch of flavor and richness.
- After flipping, cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once all the bread is cooked, serve them warm. These skillet flatbreads pair perfectly with hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, or your favorite dips. They’re also great as a side to soups, stews, or even curries.
- You can also top them with your favorite spreads, use them as wraps for sandwiches, or simply enjoy them on their own!
Cooking Tips
- Kneading: Unlike yeast-based bread, this dough does not need to be kneaded extensively. Just mix until it comes together and forms a soft dough. Over-kneading can make the bread tougher.
- Flour Consistency: If the dough feels too sticky while shaping, add more flour sparingly. Too much flour will make the bread dense, so aim for a soft, pliable dough.
- Skillet Temperature: Make sure your skillet is hot enough to cook the bread properly, but not so hot that the bread burns before the inside is cooked. Medium heat works best. You may need to adjust the heat slightly depending on your stove.
- Olive Oil Brushing: Don’t skip brushing the bread with olive oil—it gives the bread a beautiful golden color and adds a layer of flavor that elevates the dish.
Storage
- Refrigeration: These flatbreads are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Flatbread freezes well. Let the bread cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the bread in the fridge overnight and warm it in a skillet or the oven.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the dough hold together.
2. Can I substitute the yogurt?
If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or even buttermilk. These alternatives will still add moisture and a slight tanginess to the dough.
3. Can I bake the bread instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, you can bake the bread. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown.
4. What can I serve with this flatbread?
This bread pairs beautifully with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush. It also works well as a side for soups, stews, or curries, or as a base for sandwiches and wraps.
5. Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! You can add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for added flavor. Garlic powder or onion powder also works well to enhance the taste.
Conclusion
This Soft Skillet Flatbread with Olive Oil is a fantastic recipe for those who want fresh, homemade bread without the hassle of yeast or long rising times. The combination of yogurt, baking powder, and olive oil creates a soft, flavorful bread with a perfect golden crust.
The versatility of this bread makes it an excellent addition to any meal. Serve it with dips, spreads, or as a side to your favorite dishes, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy fresh bread in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re using it as a wrap or simply tearing off pieces to dip in olive oil, this flatbread is a must-try.