How to Make Flat Breads

Flat breads are individual-sized round breads often used for appetizers or snacks. They are made from a very basic dough consisting of not much more than yeast, flour and water. While some bread dough must be prepared and baked precisely, flat bread is extremely forgiving which makes it an easy option for the novice baker. Flat breads can be topped with sandwich fixings, cut up and served with dips or even used in place of pizza dough.

Things You'll Need

• 1 (1-4 oz.) package active dry yeast
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 large bowls
• Electric mixer
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Wooden cutting board
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• Cloth
• Sharp knife
• Rolling pin
• 2 baking sheets

Instructions

1. Add a package of active dry yeast, 1 3/4 cups flour, 1/2 tsp. sugar and 1 tsp. salt to a large bowl. Set your electric mixer on "low" and mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2. Keep the mixer on "low" and slowly pour in 3/4 cup warm water. Mix the ingredients until they form a ball of dough (approximately 5 minutes).

3. Sprinkle a wooden cutting board with flour, then add the ball of dough. Gently press into the dough with the heel of your hand, then turn the dough over and repeat. Knead and turn the dough about four times or until it's pliable.

4. Pour 1 tsp. olive oil into a large bowl and spread it with your hand to evenly cover the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the dough to the bowl, then dampen a cloth with warm water and place over the bowl.

5. Keep the dough covered for about an hour or until it has risen to twice its size. Slice the dough into 20 even pieces and flatten with a rolling pin so each piece is relatively circular with approximately a 5 inch diameter. Precise shape is not important.

6. Place the flat breads onto two ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the flat breads are golden brown and puffy.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also grill the flat breads on an ungreased, hot griddle or grill for about two minutes per side.

• Do not pour the water all at once into the other ingredients or it will not evenly distribute and result in dense bread.

References

• Food Network
• Martha Stewart Living