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CaribbeanAuthentic Cuisine

Caribbean Flatbread

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegan, Breads & Pastry

Caribbean Flatbread

Caribbean Flatbread is a beloved staple in home kitchens across the islands, often appearing at the table with the same ease as a well-worn family recipe. This version reflects the casual, intuitive approach that Caribbean cooks embrace, where a handful of salt is measured by feel, and olive oil is poured with a generous hand. It's a dish that effortlessly brings people together around the table, offering a taste of the everyday comfort that defines Caribbean home cooking.

The flatbread emerges from the oven with a crisp, golden crust and a tender, chewy interior, showcasing the warm, yeasty aroma that fills the kitchen. Its simplicity is its strength, with each bite offering a harmonious balance of salt and the subtle richness of olive oil. Enjoy it torn by hand and shared, a reflection of the communal spirit that makes this dish a cherished part of the Caribbean culinary landscape.

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 7 g of dry yeast and 1 tsp of fine sea salt. Make a well in the center and pour in 300 ml of warm water and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it with the heels of your hands by pushing the dough away from you, then folding it back over itself. Continue kneading for about 8-10 minutes, adding a little flour if the dough is too sticky, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when you press it lightly with a finger.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough holds an indentation when you press it gently.
  4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into equal portions, shaping each into a ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place the balls on a lightly floured surface and cover them with a cloth. Let them rest for about 10 minutes to relax the gluten, making them easier to shape.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up. Roll each dough ball into a flat disc, about 1 cm thick, using a rolling pin or your hands. Carefully transfer the discs onto the hot baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to expand.
  6. Bake the flatbreads in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they puff up and develop a golden brown color on the surface. They should feel firm and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If necessary, rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
  7. Remove the flatbreads from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool slightly so the crumb sets, which will help maintain their texture. This cooling process should take about 5 minutes.
  8. Serve the Caribbean Flatbread warm, tearing it into pieces for sharing at the table. Its soft interior and slightly crisp exterior make it a perfect accompaniment to your meal. Enjoy the communal spirit of Caribbean dining.
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.

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