Soft Flatbreads / Wraps / Naan Bread
Ingredients
- Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Warm Water: 1/4 cup (make sure it’s not too hot or cold)
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Flour: 2 cups (plus extra for dusting)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter or Oil: 1 tablespoon (for moisture in the dough)
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Melted Butter: For brushing (optional)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until bubbles appear, indicating the yeast is active.
- Activate the Yeast:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, activated yeast mixture, and milk. Mix until combined.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil, and begin kneading the dough by hand until it forms a soft, smooth ball.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Rest the Dough:
- Cover the dough with a cloth and place it in a warm area to rise (the oven with the light on works well). Allow it to double in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the Flatbreads:
- Once risen, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small ball.
- Keep the dough balls covered as you work with them.
- Dust your surface lightly with flour, and roll each ball into a circle (about 6 inches in diameter).
- Rest the Dough:
- Cook the Flatbreads:
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat until thoroughly hot. Do not add any oil.
- Place a rolled dough piece in the pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 20-30 seconds.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 20-30 seconds, until both sides are golden brown.
- Finish and Serve:
- Brush the flatbreads with melted butter and garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm as wraps, dipping bread, or with your favorite curry.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Wrap: Fill with your favorite meats, veggies, and sauces for a delicious wrap.
- With Curries: Perfect for dipping into curry dishes like butter chicken or lentil dhal.
- With Hummus or Dips: Serve as a side with hummus, baba ganoush, or yogurt dips.
- With Salad: Use the flatbread as a base for a simple, fresh salad wrap.
- With Cheese and Herbs: Add cheese and herbs inside the wrap for a quick snack.
Cooking Tips
- Check Water Temperature: Warm water that’s neither too hot nor too cold helps activate the yeast.
- Rest in a Warm Place: A warm place ensures the dough rises well and becomes soft and stretchy.
- Use a Hot Pan: A hot pan helps create bubbles and cooks the flatbreads evenly.
- Flip Carefully: Use a spatula or utensil to flip the bread to avoid burns.
- Brush with Butter Immediately: Brushing with melted butter while hot keeps the flatbreads soft.
Nutritional Benefits
- Yeast Bread: Contains fiber and a good mix of carbs and proteins.
- Milk: Adds calcium and a slight tenderness to the dough.
- Parsley: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing a fresh touch.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with a plant-based milk and use oil instead of butter.