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Flatbreads: Pan-Cooking Simple Yogurt Flatbreads

Making flatbreads at home can seem daunting, but pan-cooking simple yogurt flatbreads is surprisingly straightforward and yields delicious results. These flatbreads are soft, slightly tangy, and perfect for scooping up curries or wrapping around grilled meats. The key ingredient here is yogurt, which tenderizes the dough and gives it a unique texture. By incorporating yogurt into your flatbread recipe, you create a dough that's easier to work with and bakes up beautifully. The pan-cooking method is quick and doesn't require any special equipment, making it ideal for a weeknight meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, mastering this technique will expand your culinary repertoire and impress your family and friends. The process involves creating a simple dough, allowing it to rest, and then cooking it in a hot skillet. The result is a flatbread that’s crispy on the outside and pillowy within. Let’s dive into the details of how to achieve this delectable homemade treat.

Notes

The yogurt in this recipe acts as both a tenderizer and a leavening agent due to its lactic acid, which breaks down gluten and helps the dough rise slightly during cooking. A common mistake is using a skillet that isn’t hot enough, which can result in flatbreads that are dense and undercooked. Ensure your skillet is properly preheated to achieve that desirable crispiness. If your flatbreads aren’t puffing up, they may need a bit more resting time to allow the dough to relax fully. For storage, keep flatbreads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet for a few seconds.

Steps

  1. 1 Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a large bowl.
  2. 2 Add 1 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 cup warm water to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. 3 Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 4 Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  5. 5 Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
  6. 6 Roll out each ball into a 6-inch circle, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
  7. 7 Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it reaches 400°F.
  8. 8 Place one flatbread onto the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form and the bottom is lightly browned.
  9. 9 Flip the flatbread and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the other side is golden and puffed.
  10. 10 Remove from the skillet and wrap in a clean towel to keep warm while you cook the remaining dough.
  11. 11 Repeat the cooking process for all the flatbreads.
  12. 12 Brush the cooked flatbreads with melted butter or oil if desired for extra richness.
  13. 13 Serve warm with your favorite dishes.

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