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Caribbean Flatbread 2

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegan, Breads & Pastry

Caribbean Flatbread 2

Caribbean Flatbread 2 is a staple across many Caribbean homes, cherished for its simplicity and versatility. Traditionally, this flatbread finds its place on tables during family gatherings or casual dinners, where it complements a variety of dishes. The recipe reflects the essence of home cooking, where intuition guides the hand that sprinkles the salt and pours the olive oil, creating a loaf that's both familiar and comforting.

The flavor of this flatbread is a balance of mild yeastiness with a subtle hint of saltiness, enriched by the generous use of olive oil that keeps it tender. The crumb is soft yet sturdy, perfect for tearing and sharing, making it a welcoming presence at any meal. Its texture is designed to be pliable, inviting you to sop up gravies or cradle fillings without a hint of pretension.

Ingredients

  • 500 gbread flour
  • 7 gdry yeast
  • 300 mlwarm water
  • 1 tspfine sea salt
  • 1 tbspolive oil

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 g of bread flour with 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Make a well in the center and add 7 g of dry yeast. Gradually pour in 300 ml of warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil and mix until the dough begins to come together.
  2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Rotate and repeat this motion for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours, and you'll know it's ready when you gently press it and the indentation remains.
  4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface and shape it into a flat round or oval, about 1 cm thick, using your hands or a rolling pin. Be careful not to deflate it too much.
  5. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. The flatbread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  6. Remove the flatbread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows the crumb to set properly, ensuring a soft interior.
  7. Serve the Caribbean Flatbread 2 warm, tearing it into pieces at the table for sharing. Enjoy it alongside your meal, letting the flavors of the Caribbean come through.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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