5 Easy Flat Bread Recipes for Quick Dinners

Flat bread, with its diverse range of textures and flavors, is the cornerstone of many cuisines around the globe. From the soft and chewy naan to the crispy and thin Italian piadina, flat breads offer versatility that makes them ideal for quick dinners. Here, we explore five simple yet delectable flat bread recipes that you can whip up easily, even on the busiest of weeknights.

Naan Bread

Naan is a popular Indian flat bread that’s enjoyed with curries or as a base for flatbread pizzas. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients:

• Mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
• Add the flour, yogurt, oil, and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring to form a dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
• Cover and let the dough rise for an hour or until it has doubled in size.
• Divide the dough into eight balls, roll each into an oval, and cook on a hot cast-iron skillet or a tawa until puffy and charred in spots, about 2 minutes per side.

Preparation:

Naan is best when brushed with garlic butter or ghee right after cooking for that extra flavor. If you prefer, sprinkle with herbs like cilantro or nigella seeds for a restaurant-quality taste at home.

Roti or Chapati

Roti or Chapati is the simplest form of flat bread from South Asia, ideal for daily consumption due to its nutritional profile and minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• Water (as needed to form dough)
• Pinch of salt

Preparation:

• Mix flour with salt. Gradually add water, kneading into a soft dough. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
• Divide the dough into small balls, roll out into thin circles.
• On a hot griddle, cook each roti for about 30 seconds on each side or until light brown spots appear. Use a cloth to puff the roti on the direct flame if desired.

🌟 Note: For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of oil to the dough, but keep it minimal to retain the authenticity of roti.

Focaccia

This Italian bread is known for its pillowy texture and savory toppings, perfect for an appetizer or alongside pasta dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
• Fresh rosemary, sea salt, and cherry tomatoes for topping

Preparation:

• Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, mix until it forms a sticky dough.
• Let it rise covered for about an hour. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Pour the dough into an oiled baking sheet, spread it out, and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
• Press dimples into the dough with your fingers, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with rosemary, tomatoes, and sea salt. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Piadina

A staple in Italy’s Romagna region, piadina is like a thick, soft tortilla, often filled with cheese, cured meats, or veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour (a mix of 00 and whole wheat is traditional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lard or shortening (olive oil can be used)
• ½ cup water (or as needed)

Preparation:

• Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add lard or oil, then mix in the water until you have a soft dough. Let rest for 30 minutes.
• Divide into portions, roll into flat circles. Cook on a hot, dry griddle for about 1-2 minutes per side.
• Serve warm with fillings of your choice like prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula.

📍 Note: Traditional piadina is crisp on the outside with a slightly chewy interior. Adjust the thickness to achieve this balance.

Middle Eastern Pita Bread

Pita bread, known for its pocket, is a versatile canvas for sandwiches, dips, or eating alone.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

• Mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add water and oil, knead until smooth.
• Let the dough rise for about an hour, then divide into 8 pieces. Roll into 6-inch rounds.
• Bake on a pizza stone or a preheated baking sheet at 500°F (260°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until they puff up.

Each of these flat bread recipes offers not just a variety of flavors but also a gateway into cultural culinary experiences. Whether it's the garlic-kissed naan, the simplicity of roti, the aromatic focaccia, the versatile piadina, or the pocketed pita, these flat breads bring diversity to your dinner table. They're perfect for quick dinners, providing endless possibilities for fillings and accompaniments, making them an essential part of your meal planning repertoire.