Pasta/Pizza - Flatbread with olive oil and rosemary by Marcheta A. - Recipia
Flatbread with olive oil and rosemary

Who doesn't love the aroma of a freshly baked flatbread, wafting an enticing scent of olive oil and rosemary? This simple and quick recipe for flatbread with olive oil and rosemary is perfect for any meal, whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a base for various preparations. Additionally, making it is a true pleasure, and the final result is sure to impress anyone.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 450 g wheat flour (type 00 is ideal)
- 300 ml warm water
- 30 ml extra virgin olive oil (for an intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Dried or fresh rosemary (preferably from Kotanyi, for flavor)

Brief history

Flatbread is one of the oldest forms of bread, consumed since ancient times in various cultures. It has evolved over time, adapting to the ingredients and culinary habits specific to each region. Rosemary, on the other hand, is an aromatic plant with a rich history, used not only in gastronomy but also in traditional medicine. The combination of these simple ingredients gives rise to a delicious flatbread that will bring a touch of refinement to any meal.

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon to ensure the yeast is well distributed. Then, make a well in the center of the mixture.

2. Adding the liquid ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the well created. It is important that the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without destroying it. Mix with the wooden spoon from the inside out until the ingredients start to combine.

3. Kneading: Once you have a homogeneous mixture, set aside the spoon and start kneading the dough with your hands. Continue kneading for 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and non-sticky. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little flour.

4. Resting the dough: Form a ball from the dough and place it on a floured surface. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

5. Preheating the oven: While the dough is resting, preheat the oven to 220°C. Make sure you have a baking tray ready, lined with parchment paper to prevent the flatbread from sticking.

6. Shaping the flatbread: After the dough has rested, roll it out with a rolling pin until you achieve an oval or round shape, depending on your preference. Make sure it is not too thin, so it doesn't break during baking.

7. Seasoning: Transfer the flatbread to the prepared tray. Brush the surface with olive oil and evenly sprinkle dried or fresh rosemary on top. I recommend using fresh rosemary for a more intense aroma, but the dried rosemary from Kotanyi is an excellent and convenient choice.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the flatbread for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. A few minutes before it's done, you can turn the tray for even baking.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the flatbread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. You can cut it into triangles or squares and serve it warm, alongside various dips or as a side for soups and salads.

Practical tips

- Choosing the flour: Type 00 flour is ideal for achieving a fine texture, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a more robust flavor and increased nutrition.
- Checking the yeast: If you are unsure whether your yeast is active, you can test it: mix 1 teaspoon of yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 100 ml of warm water. If it forms bubbles in 10-15 minutes, it is active.
- Variations: You can also add other herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to customize the flavor of the flatbread. Additionally, adding crushed garlic to the olive oil will enhance the taste.
- Serving: This flatbread pairs perfectly with hummus, tzatziki, or even as a base for pizza. Experiment with different toppings to give it a new flair!

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use fresh yeast. Replace 25 g of fresh yeast for each teaspoon of dry yeast.

- What should I do if the flatbread doesn't rise well?
Ensure that the yeast is active and that the dough has been allowed enough time to rise. Also, room temperature can influence the process.

- Can the flatbread be frozen?
Yes, cooked flatbread can be frozen. I recommend wrapping it well in plastic wrap and storing it in freezer bags. When you want to consume it, thawing should be done at room temperature.

Nutritional benefits

This flatbread with olive oil and rosemary is not only delicious but also nutritious. The flour provides essential carbohydrates, the olive oil is rich in healthy fatty acids, and the rosemary brings antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. A serving (approximately 100 g) can contain around 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Serving and combinations

This flatbread can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad, a flavorful soup, or even as part of an appetizer platter. Its savory taste pairs perfectly with various cheeses, olives, or grilled vegetables. Don't forget to accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade for a perfect meal.

Enjoy making this flatbread with olive oil and rosemary and bring a touch of tradition and flavor to your kitchen!

Tags

Pasta/Pizza - Flatbread with olive oil and rosemary by Marcheta A. - Recipia

Categories