Ingredients
Scale
For the dough
- 375 g all-purpose flour (about 3 cups)
- 240 ml warm water (1 cup)
- 7 g instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Mediterranean herb topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Flaky salt, to taste
Optional toppings
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced black or green olives
- Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- Sesame seeds
- Chili flakes
Equipment you will need
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Heavy skillet or cast-iron pan, or a baking tray with parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Clean kitchen towel
- Small bowl for the herb oil
Instructions
Follow these six steps for soft, golden flatbreads. Read through them once first, since the dough needs time to rise.
Step 1: Prepare the dough
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar and instant yeast.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the flour, salt and olive oil.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour gradually, avoiding too much so the flatbreads stay soft.
Step 2: Let the dough rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Leave in a warm place for 60-75 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Divide and shape
- Gently press the dough to release excess air.
- Divide into 6 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a ball.
- Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll each ball into a circle or oval about 3-5 mm thick.
Step 4: Prepare the herb oil
- Mix the olive oil, oregano, thyme and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Brush a thin layer over each flatbread.
- Sprinkle with parsley and flaky salt if desired.
- Add feta, olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Step 5: Cook the flatbreads
Option A: Stovetop skillet
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place one flatbread in the dry skillet.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, until bubbles appear and golden spots develop underneath.
- Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Repeat with the remaining flatbreads.
- Brush lightly with extra herb oil after cooking.
Option B: Oven
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Arrange the flatbreads on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, until puffed in places and lightly golden.
- Watch carefully to prevent them from becoming too crisp.
Step 6: Keep them soft
- Stack the cooked flatbreads under a clean kitchen towel.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Finish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.