Indonesian Flatbread

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 bread flour and 1 tsp fine sea salt. Create a well in the center and add 7 g dry yeast. Pour 300 ml warm water into the well and let it sit for a minute to activate the yeast. Gradually mix the flour into the water using your hands or a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it by folding and pressing with the heel of your hand, turning it 90 degrees each time. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back slightly when you press it with your finger.
3. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take about an hour, and you'll know it's ready when the dough has visibly expanded and feels airy to the touch.
4. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up. Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each into a round, flat disc about 1 cm thick, using your hands to gently stretch and flatten.
5. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and lightly oil it with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the shaped dough discs onto the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the flatbreads are golden brown and slightly puffed. They should have a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
6. Once baked, transfer the flatbreads to a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows the crumb to set and prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy. The flatbreads should feel firm yet tender when you press them lightly.
7. Serve the Indonesian Flatbread warm, ideally as part of a shared meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into sauces or accompanying a variety of Indonesian dishes. Enjoy the communal experience of breaking and sharing the flatbread at the table.