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Vietnamese Flatbread

Serves 4 to 6 Bread vegan, Breads & Pastry

Vietnamese Flatbread

Vietnamese Flatbread has become a staple at Vietnamese home tables, where it is prepared with a keen sense of balance and a generous hand. It is crafted in the spirit of sharing, without the constraints of precise measurements, allowing the cook to adjust the salt and fat to taste. This home-style version reflects the way families actually enjoy it, focusing on the connection between the cook's intuition and the communal table.

A well-made Vietnamese Flatbread should be crisp on the outside yet soft and chewy within, offering a subtle saltiness that complements its tender crumb. The olive oil lends a richness, enhancing the bread's natural flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

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. Make a well in the center and add 7 g dry yeast. Gradually pour in 300 ml warm water, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and mix until the dough begins to come together.
  2. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pressing it with the heel of your hand, folding it over, and turning it 90 degrees. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back slightly when pressed with a finger.
  3. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size. This should take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the room temperature.
  4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer it back to the floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round flatbread by gently stretching and patting it with your hands.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up. Once hot, carefully place the shaped dough onto the preheated baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the flatbreads are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  6. Remove the flatbreads from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool slightly so the crumb sets, ensuring a soft interior and a crisp crust.
  7. Serve the Vietnamese Flatbread warm, tearing it into pieces at the table to share with your meal. Enjoy the soft, chewy texture and the subtle flavor that complements a variety of dishes.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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