This super soft flatbread is perfect for wrapping around any of your favorite fillings. It’s quick to make, soft, and elastic, and can be used for everything from sandwiches to wraps. Whether you’re filling it with veggies, meats, or spreads, this flatbread will hold everything together with its light and fluffy texture.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Bread
Ingredients
- 350 grams all-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (30 milliliters)
- 200 milliliters boiling water (4/5 cup)
- Extra flour for dusting
- Hot water (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, sift 350 grams of flour and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them together. Then add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and 200 milliliters of boiling water. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together. -
Knead the Dough:
Once the ingredients are combined, knead the dough by hand for about 2 minutes. The dough should be very soft and elastic. If it’s a little sticky, dust it with a small amount of flour. -
Let the Dough Rest:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten. -
Divide the Dough:
After resting, sprinkle your table or work surface with flour. Roll the dough into a log shape, and then divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball, keeping them covered while you cook the flatbreads to prevent them from drying out. -
Roll Out the Dough:
Take each dough ball and roll it out with a rolling pin, aiming for a very thin, round shape. The size should fit the diameter of your pan (about 26 cm / 10 inches). -
Heat the Pan:
Preheat your pan over medium heat. A cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan works best for even heat distribution. -
Cook the Flatbread:
Place the rolled-out dough into the hot pan. Cook for about 40 seconds on one side until small bubbles form, then flip it to the other side. Cook for another 40 seconds. Repeat the process with the rest of the dough balls. -
Brush with Hot Water:
While the bread is still hot, immediately brush it with hot water to keep it soft and pliable. Grease the edges especially well on both sides. -
Cover the Bread:
After brushing, cover the flatbread with cling film or a clean towel to keep it warm and soft. This helps preserve the softness of the bread. Repeat the steps for the remaining dough balls. -
Let the Flatbread Rest:
Once all the flatbreads are cooked, cover them with cling film and let them rest for 30 minutes. This will help them become even softer and more flexible. -
Serve and Enjoy:
After resting, the flatbread will be soft, fluffy, and ready to use as a wrap or with any filling of your choice.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 flatbread
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 0%
- Vitamin C: 0%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 6%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Flatbreads have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, with variations found across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and South Asia. This super soft version is particularly popular for making wraps, as its pliable texture allows it to fold around fillings easily. In many cultures, flatbreads are served as a side dish or used to scoop up dips and sauces. Its versatility and ease of preparation have made it a go-to bread for home cooks and street food vendors alike.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal time to prepare.
- Soft and Pliable: The texture of this flatbread is incredibly soft and perfect for wraps or sandwiches.
- Customizable: You can use this bread for a variety of fillings, from grilled vegetables and meats to spreads and cheeses.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: These flatbreads can be made in bulk and stored for later use. They are also freezer-friendly.
Health Benefits
- Low in Fat: The recipe uses a small amount of vegetable oil, keeping the fat content low.
- Good Source of Carbohydrates: This flatbread is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.
- Flexible for Dietary Needs: You can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the egg wash.
Serving Suggestions
- With Hummus or Dip: Serve these flatbreads alongside hummus, tzatziki, or any dip of your choice.
- Wrap with Filling: Use these flatbreads as wraps for fillings like grilled chicken, lamb, vegetables, or falafel.
- As a Side Dish: Serve as a side to curries, stews, or soups for a satisfying meal.
- For Breakfast: Use the flatbread for a simple breakfast wrap filled with eggs and cheese.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Flatbreads: Make sure to cook the flatbreads for only 40 seconds per side to avoid over-drying them.
- Keep Dough Covered: Always keep the dough balls covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap while you work to prevent them from drying out.
- Adjust Heat: If the pan gets too hot and the flatbreads start burning, lower the heat slightly.
Variations to Try
- Add Herbs: Mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.
- Garlic Flatbreads: Brush the cooked flatbreads with garlic butter for a garlicky twist.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier, nuttier flavor.
Conclusion
This super soft flatbread recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any filling you can imagine. Whether you use it for wraps, dips, or as a side dish, it adds a deliciously soft and chewy element to any meal. Quick to make and versatile, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
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Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor. -
How long can I store the flatbread?
You can store the flatbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to a month. -
Can I make these flatbreads without oil?
Yes, you can omit the oil if you prefer, but the bread may be a little less soft. -
What can I use instead of boiling water?
You can use warm water instead of boiling water if that’s what you have available. -
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls after shaping them. Thaw before rolling out and cooking. -
How can I make these flatbreads vegan?
Simply skip the egg wash or use a vegan egg wash alternative like olive oil. -
Do I need to use cling film to cover the bread?
While cling film helps keep the bread soft, you can use a damp towel to cover the flatbreads instead. -
Can I make these flatbreads thicker?
Yes, you can roll the dough thicker if you prefer a denser bread. -
How can I keep the flatbreads soft longer?
Store the flatbreads in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain their softness. -
Can I make these flatbreads on the grill?
Yes, you can cook the flatbreads on a grill if you want a smoky flavor; just make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Enjoy making this soft flatbread and use it for your favorite wraps or as a side dish!