Description
This easy flatbread recipe yields soft, golden, and flavorful flatbreads perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or as a side. Made with simple ingredients and cooked quickly on the stovetop, these flatbreads are brushed with a delicious garlic oil and garnished with fresh parsley for a fragrant finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all unbleached purpose flour (plus additional flour for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup ice water
Cooking Ingredients
- Oil for cooking (about 2 - 3 tablespoons)
Garlic Topping
- ¼ to ⅓ cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped parsley (about 2 teaspoons)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour in the ice water and olive or vegetable oil. Stir using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until the dough forms a soft, moist ball that is not sticky. Adjust with a little extra water or flour if needed to reach the right consistency.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten, which improves texture and workability.
- Prepare Dough for Rolling: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the rested dough onto it. Flatten slightly and cut into 10 to 12 equal pieces, each weighing about 1.5 to 2 ounces.
- Shape the Flatbreads: Roll each piece into a ball to handle easily. Using a rolling pin or your palm, flatten each ball into a thin circle approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Heat Skillet and Add Oil: Preheat a cast iron or heavy-bottom skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking and to help form a golden crust.
- Cook the Flatbreads: Place the flatbreads in the hot skillet in batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cool the Flatbreads: Transfer the cooked flatbreads to a cooling rack to cool slightly, preserving their soft yet slightly crispy texture.
- Prepare Optional Garlic Topping: In a small bowl, mix olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder and a pinch of salt.
- Brush and Garnish: After cooking, brush each flatbread with the garlic oil mixture and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve the flatbreads warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable oil for olive oil if desired, but olive oil adds a richer flavor.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour gradually until manageable.
- Resting the dough helps make the flatbreads softer and easier to roll out.
- Use a heavy-bottom skillet or cast iron for even heat distribution and better browning.
- Brush the flatbreads with garlic oil while still warm for optimal absorption of flavor.
- These flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.
- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of melted butter for the topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
