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Everyone needs a really good go-to flatbread recipe. A quick no-yeast flatbread is even better since it helps you save time and still gives all the deliciousness of homemade bread.
Whether used as a vessel for dips, wrapped around savory fillings, or enjoyed on its own, flatbread is also about sharing food and culture. Some dishes just need to be complimented with a good piece of bread. Others need bread as the base of the dish. Some of my favorite bread and flatbread recipes are ramazan pidesi, pita and of course, Persian barbari. This flatbread is very similar to my lavash bread recipe, but quicker, and simpler.
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights: No-Yeast Flatbread
Cultural Influence: Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean and Persian cuisines, this recipe pays homage to the tradition of yeast-free flatbreads.
Primary Cooking Technique: Cooked by stovetop pan or griddle
Serving Options: Paired with dips, used as a wrap, or enjoyed on its own, these flatbreads offer endless serving possibilities.
Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly with its straightforward ingredients and minimal steps
Why You’ll Love This No-Yeast Flatbread
Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homemade bread in no time.
Quick Preparation: Since yeast-free bread doesn’t require proofing or rising time, it can be made and baked in a fraction of the time compared to traditional yeast bread. It’s perfect for busy schedules or last-minute baking.
Versatile: Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite dips and spreads, using it as a base for sandwiches, or enjoying it on its own, this flatbread is incredibly versatile. Its neutral flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, making it a great go-to option for any meal.
Authentic Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the satisfaction of baking bread from scratch in your own kitchen. With its golden-brown crust and soft, pillowy texture, this flatbread is the perfect homemade comfort food.
Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply craving a quick and delicious snack, this no-yeast flatbread is a crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of this flatbread, all-purpose flour provides structure and texture. For a lighter texture, sift the flour before mixing. Alternatively, you can use bread flour as well.
- Warm Water: Essential for hydrating the dough, warm water activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a flexible dough. Ensure the water is comfortably warm to the touch but not too hot.
- Salt: Adds flavor and, in yeast-free bread, salt contributes to flavor enhancement and strengthens the dough’s structure.
How to Make this Yeast-free Flatbread
Step 1
Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients.
Step 2
Mix well so that dry and wet ingredients become well-incorporated and a dough starts to form.
Step 3
When the dough comes together, set aside to rest for only about 15 minutes.
Step 4
Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each one into a ball.
Step 5
Roll out each piece of dough into round flat pieces.
Step 6
Place the rolled-out dough pieces in a hot pan on the stovetop. Cook until it bubbles and has golden-brown circles and then flip. That would be about 5-6 minutes on each side.
Step 7
After you remove the bread from heat, cover in a kitchen towel to help keep it soft and fresh. Serve when ready.
Serving Suggestions
You don’t need an actual reason to serve or eat bread. I mean, seriously, is there anything more comforting than warm homemade bread?
On the other hand, there are some foods that are so well-complimented by bread that it would seem a travesty to serve them breadless. Serve this flatbread with dips such as classic hummus, baba ganoush, labneh dip or tirokaftari (spice feta dip). You can also use it to make wraps such as chicken shawarma, beef shawarma, gyro or even falafel.
Tips, Tricks, and Hacks
- Rest the Dough: After mixing the ingredients, allow the dough to rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more elastic and easier-to-work-with dough.
- Roll with Precision: Aim for a consistent thickness throughout to ensure uniform cooking.
- Control the Heat: Preheat your cooking surface, whether it’s a griddle, skillet, or grill, over medium high heat. Low heat could cause the bread to stick and not cook evenly.
- Watch for Bubbles: As the flatbread cooks, watch for bubbles to form on the surface. This is a sign that the dough is cooking evenly and the flatbread is ready to be flipped.
- Brush with Oil: For added flavor and moisture, brush each side of the cooked flatbread with olive oil or melted butter immediately after removing it from the heat.
- Keep Warm: To keep the flatbreads warm and soft, cover with a clean kitchen towel while you cook the remaining batches.
- Customize with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings and seasonings to customize your flatbreads. Consider options like sesame seeds, minced garlic, or chopped fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover flatbreads in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature.
Variations and Substitutes
Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds nuttiness and fiber to the flatbread.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Those with gluten sensitivities can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Look for a blend specifically formulated for baking to ensure the best results.
Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs or spices directly into the dough for extra flavor. Experiment with options like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or cumin to customize the taste of your flatbread.
Cheese-Stuffed: Create a savory twist by stuffing the flatbread with your favorite cheese before cooking. Mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese work well for this variation.
Garlic Butter Finish: Brush the cooked flatbread with melted butter infused with minced garlic and chopped parsley for a flavorful finish. This adds richness and aroma to the final product.
Spiced Flatbread: Incorporate ground spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder into the dough for a spicy kick. Serve alongside your favorite dips or curries for a flavor-packed meal.
Pizza Base: Use this flatbread recipe as a quick and easy pizza crust. Top with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings before baking for a homemade pizza night.
Storage
Store your leftover bread in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to two days at room temperature. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or toaster before serving to revive their freshness.
You can also store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw ahead of time and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flatbread is a type of bread that is thin, unleavened, and often cooked on a griddle or stovetop. It lacks yeast, which makes it quick and easy to prepare.
They can be served as a side dish with dips, spreads, or soups. Or, rolled up with fillings to make wraps or sandwiches and accompanying curries, stews, or grilled meats. They can be torn into pieces and used for scooping up hummus or other dips.
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Roll out the flatbreads and stack them with parchment paper in between. When ready to serve, cook them on the stovetop or griddle.
Other Bread Recipes to Try
Breads
Lavash Bread
Turkish Recipes
Turkish Pide Bread (Ramazan Pidesi)
Mediterranean recipes
Homemade Pita Bread Recipe
Persian Recipes
Easy Persian Barbari Bread
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Easy No-Yeast Flatbread
Instructions
- Mix the flour, salt and water in a bowl using a wooden spoon so you have a lumpy wet dough. Knead for a few minutes using your hands until the dough comes together And is smooth.
- Cover and rest for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 pieces.
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium high heat. Roll out the dough balls into flatbreads, about 1/8 inch or thinner.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes on each side until bread bubbles up and becomes golden brown.
- Keep the flatbreads wrapped in kitchen towel to keep them soft.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is fantastic! I made it last night and it was so easy. The texture is fantastic, and not using yeast doesn’t impact it at all.
Best flatbread we have eaten. Thank you!
I can’t believe how easy this flatbread was to make. We will definitely be making this recipe again. Thanks!
Easy and delicious flatbread! This was incredible and so easy to make as well!
I made this flatbread over the weekend and it was delicious and so easy! Thanks for sharing!