She Strengthens

Get Ready to Rise to the Occasion: The Joy of Flatbread Making

Flatbread is the perfect gateway to the world of bread making. It’s quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – use it as a snack, appetizer, or dessert, and pair it with a variety of dips, cheeses, and toppings.

Flatbread: The Ultimate Snacking Companion

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, freshly baked flatbread, paired with creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, or smoky baba ghanoush. It’s the perfect snack to satisfy your cravings. And if you’re feeling fancy, why not try whipping up some feta with sweet and hot peppers or Bendectine dip?

Dress Up Your Flatbread

Take your flatbread game to the next level by topping it with blueberries, walnuts, or chèvre. It makes for a perfect upscale appetizer, shared plate, or dessert. You can also use it as a wrap for hearty Levantine specialties like shawarma, kabab, or falafel. Add some freshly made tabouli and a dash of harissa for maximum flavor.

The Magic of Making Flatbread

Making flatbread is easier than you think. This vegan-friendly recipe doesn’t require an oven, making it perfect for warm weather months. The secret ingredient? Yeast, which makes the dough soft and chewy. If you’re having trouble finding yeast, don’t worry – we’ve got a yeast-free option too (just be aware it contains dairy).

Gather Your Tools

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A large bowl
• Plastic wrap
• A skillet
• A rolling pin

Flatbread Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling out the dough)
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast or rapid rise yeast
• ½-¾ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra drops to coat the bowl)
• Non-stick spray

Steps to Making Easy Flatbread

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add the olive oil and warm water. Start with ½ cup and add more water if the dough seems too dry.
2. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together, then knead for 30 seconds and shape into a ball. Coat with olive oil, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 1 hour (or 10-15 minutes if using rapid rise yeast).
3. Lightly flour a clean surface and rolling pin, then heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Cut the dough ball into 6 pieces, and gently separate each piece into individual dough balls.
5. Take one dough ball and form it into a disk with your hands. Flatten it with the floured rolling pin, flipping two or three times, until it’s 6-8 inches in diameter.
6. Spray the skillet with non-stick spray, add the flattened disk, and cook for 2 minutes on each side (or an extra minute on each side if you plan on using for dipping or pizza-style flatbread).
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the flatbread is cooked. Serve warm, or refrigerate for several days and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.