Middle Eastern 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 of bread flour and 7 g of dry yeast. Gradually add 300 ml of warm water, mixing with your hand or a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Add 1 tsp of fine sea salt and 1 tbsp of olive oil, then mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pushing it away with the heel of your hand, then folding it back over itself. Continue this process for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back slightly when pressed with a finger.
3. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions, depending on the size of flatbread you desire. Shape each portion into a ball by tucking the edges underneath, creating a smooth top.
5. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, around 250°C (482°F), and place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat up. Roll each dough ball into a flat circle, about 1/4 inch thick, using a rolling pin. Be gentle to avoid deflating the dough.
6. Carefully transfer the shaped dough onto the preheated baking stone or sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the flatbread puffs up and develops a light golden-brown color on the surface. The bread should be soft with a slightly crisp edge.
7. Remove the flatbread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. This allows the crumb to set properly, ensuring a soft interior. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
8. Serve the flatbread warm, tearing it into pieces to share at the table. Enjoy it alongside your meal, using it to scoop up dips or accompany your favorite Middle Eastern dishes.