Garlic and Butter Flatbread

Garlic and Butter Flatbread

Introduction

Garlic and butter flatbread is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. This soft, warm bread is infused with the irresistible aroma of garlic and rich butter, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: with just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create an indulgent and comforting bread that pairs perfectly with everything from soups and stews to curries and grilled meats.

Ingredients

To prepare garlic and butter flatbread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

350g of flour – This is the base for your flatbread dough. Use all-purpose flour for a soft and chewy texture.

250g of yogurt – Yogurt adds moisture to the dough, helping it stay soft and tender. It also gives the bread a slight tang that balances the richness of the butter.

1 tsp of baking powder – Baking powder helps the dough rise slightly, making the flatbread light and fluffy.

1 tsp of salt – Salt enhances the overall flavor of the flatbread and brings out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.

1 tsp of sugar – A small amount of sugar adds a touch of sweetness, which helps balance the savory flavors of the garlic and butter.

2 cloves of garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for infusing the butter with aromatic, bold flavor.

30g of butter – Butter forms the base for your garlic butter topping, making the flatbread rich, golden, and flavorful.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

Start by preparing the dough for the flatbread. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. These dry ingredients form the structure of your flatbread dough, so mix them well to ensure even distribution.

Next, add the yogurt to the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough begins to form. The yogurt will give the dough a smooth and tender consistency, making it easy to work with.

Be mindful of the texture of the dough; it should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more yogurt.

Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes. Kneading helps to develop the gluten, which gives the flatbread its chewy texture.

After kneading, cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting time allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.

2. Make the Garlic Butter:

While the dough is resting, prepare the garlic butter. In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the crushed garlic cloves and cook for a few minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Stir occasionally to ensure the garlic infuses evenly into the butter. Once the garlic butter is ready, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions, depending on how large you want your flatbreads to be. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it out into a thin, round shape.

The dough should be about ¼ inch thick. Try to make the dough as even as possible to ensure it cooks evenly. If necessary, use a rolling pin to get the desired thickness.

4. Cook the Flatbread:

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the rolled-out dough into the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

The flatbread should puff up slightly as it cooks. You may need to adjust the heat slightly to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the flatbread and flip it carefully once it’s golden brown on one side.

5. Brush with Garlic Butter:

Once the flatbreads are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate. While the flatbreads are still warm, brush each one generously with the prepared garlic butter. This adds flavor and gives the flatbread a beautiful, glossy finish. Be sure to coat each flatbread with the garlic butter mixture evenly.

Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality butter are key to making the garlic butter flavorful. Use fresh garlic cloves rather than garlic powder for the best results.

Adjust Consistency of Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add more yogurt to achieve the right texture.

Let the Dough Rest: Letting the dough rest for 30 minutes helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and ensuring the bread is soft and chewy.

Watch the Heat: When cooking the flatbread, be mindful of the heat. If the pan is too hot, the bread may burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure even cooking.

Customize the Flavor: For a twist, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for extra flavor.

Storage

Garlic and butter flatbread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later use. To store leftovers:

Cool the Flatbreads: Allow the flatbreads to cool completely before storing them.

Wrap in Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil: Place the flatbreads in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Refrigerate: Store the wrapped flatbreads in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat, place the flatbread in a hot skillet or griddle for about 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the flatbreads. Wrap each flatbread in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or reheat them directly from the freezer.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic and butter flatbread is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside your favorite curry, stew, or soup for a comforting and hearty meal. It pairs especially well with Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean dishes.

With Dips: Garlic and butter flatbread makes an excellent accompaniment to hummus, tzatziki, or any dip of your choice. The warm bread dipped in creamy sauces is a crowd-pleasing combination.

As a Pizza Base: Use the flatbread as a quick pizza base. Top it with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese melts.

For Sandwiches: Slice the flatbread into smaller pieces and use it to make wraps or sandwiches. Fill it with grilled vegetables, meats, or cheese for a delicious handheld meal.

With Grilled Meats: Serve the flatbread alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or steak for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Garlic and butter flatbread is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, dipping it into your favorite sauce, or using it as a pizza base, this flatbread is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

The combination of soft, chewy dough and the rich garlic butter topping makes for an irresistible treat. With a few easy steps, you can create this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.