“Step into the world of culinary heritage with our delightful flatbread recipe, hailing from ancient origins. Flatbreads have been a staple in various cultures for centuries, cherished for their simplicity, versatility, and rich cultural heritage. With roots dating back to early civilizations, these thin, unleavened breads have been lovingly prepared and enjoyed across different regions of the world.
Originating in the Middle East, where baking traditions flourished alongside the rise of agriculture, flatbreads were born out of the necessity to transform grains into sustenance. The timeless simplicity of these breads has traveled through time, transcending borders and spreading to countless countries, each incorporating their unique twists and flavors.
Our recipe pays homage to this remarkable culinary legacy, combining traditional techniques with modern flair. The process begins by blending a handful of pantry staples, creating a soft and pliable dough that transforms into a tender, golden delight when cooked to perfection.
As you knead the dough, imagine the skilled hands of bakers past who perfected this art, passing down their wisdom through generations. Feel the connection to the vibrant markets and bustling streets, where the aroma of freshly baked flatbreads wafts through the air, enticing passersby to indulge in this timeless delicacy.
Once your dough is ready, you’ll roll it out into thin rounds, allowing your creativity to flow as you experiment with different shapes and sizes. Whether you prefer classic circles or rustic rectangles, each piece embodies the spirit of the ancient bakers who lovingly shaped and cooked these breads on hot griddles, open fires, or clay ovens.
The beauty of flatbreads lies in their versatility. They can be served as a satisfying side to complement savory stews, curries, or dips, or transformed into a canvas for creating mouthwatering wraps and sandwiches. You can even let your imagination run wild, topping them with an array of fresh ingredients to craft tantalizing flatbread pizzas or innovative fusion recipes.
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transcends time and borders, savoring the taste of history with every bite. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this ancient bread, bringing its enchanting flavors and cultural heritage to your table. Let’s dive into the art of making flatbreads, embracing the rich tapestry of world cuisine and the stories that lie within each mouthful.”
Flat bread
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 Cups self-rising flour or 2 cups self-rising flour and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 Cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for pan
- Melted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour(s) and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Slowly add water to the mixture while stirring until the dough starts to come together. Continue stirring and add a little more water if the dough is still dry, until it forms a ball.
- Transfer the dough onto a countertop and knead, adding a little flour if it’s too sticky. The dough should be soft but not sticky enough to stick to your hands or the counter.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a large circle with a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Spread approximately 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over the surface of the dough. Roll the dough into a long roll.
- Cut the dough into 8 to 10 pieces. Roll each piece flat into a 6-inch circle. Cover the circles with a damp cloth and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat a flat heavy griddle or skillet (a cast iron skillet or crepe pan works well) over low to medium heat.
- Roll out the first circle of dough as thin as possible, aiming for an 8-9 inch diameter circle.
- Add about 1 teaspoon of oil to the heated skillet. Place the dough in the skillet and cook until the bread puffs up and turns light brown on the skillet side. Slide the bread to the edge of the pan with your fingers, and quickly flip it to brown the other side (approximately 1-2 minutes).
- Remove the cooked roti from heat and place it in a colander to cool. Cover the roti with a damp towel while you cook the remaining pieces. Add more oil to the skillet as needed.
- To reheat the roti, you can use methods similar to reheating tortillas: in a low oven, wrapped in foil, or in the microwave covered with a damp cloth. Optionally, brush the roti with melted butter before serving.
- This recipe yields 10 rotis with a diameter of 6-8 inches.
