What Is Flatbread and How Is It Used? (2024)

FAQs

What is flatbread used for? ›

Enjoy flatbread as is for a tasty treat, or use it in place of other types of bread. One of the most common ways to use flatbread is as a pizza crust. Though they're not entirely the same, a sturdy flatbread dough is an excellent option for the base of your favorite pizza toppings.

A flatbread is bread made usually with flour; water, milk, yogurt, or other liquid; and salt, and then thoroughly rolled into flattened dough. Many flatbreads are unleavened, although some are leavened, such as pita bread.

Served as a side dish, eaten with a dip or topped like a pizza – we've got lots of flatbread recipes to suit you. Try our buttery herb flatbreads, simple cumin seed breads or James Martin's Lebanese lamb recipe.

Flatbread is considered bread because it contains the basic ingredients of bread such as grain starches and water, and is made similarly despite not using leavening agents. It is a staple food in many cultures where traditional practices have led to its widespread adoption.

Flatbread pizza often has a thinner crust compared to traditional pizza. A thinner crust can result in a lower calorie and carbohydrate content, making it a potential choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.

Flatbreads are made from dough, whereas pancakes are made from batter. They can be categorized into four groups: fermented single layer flatbreads, not-fermented single-layer flatbreads, fermented double-layer flatbreads, and pancakes.

Due to their geometry and structure, tortillas, pizza crust, English muffins, crumpets, and pretzels can be considered flat breads. Tortillas are flat breads traditionally made from wheat flour or maize and are indigenous to Mexico, Central America, and the southwestern United States.

But the difference between the two really comes down to the ingredients, they both need flour, water, and salt, but pizza dough has an additional ingredient, yeast. Pizza dough is a leavened dough where flatbread is unleavened, giving it that flat texture.

Flatbread is a relatively low-calorie option, providing around 100-150 calories per serving. It is also a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as B vitamins and iron.

Serve the flatbreads while still soft and warm. Once cold, they won't be quite the same. But they can be recycled by tearing them into pieces, brushing with a little oil, then crisping them up in a hot oven (at 220°C/Gas Mark 7) to make dipping chips, or flat croûtons for soups and salads.

Is flatbread cooked? ›

Flatbreads are cooked all over the world from Mexican tortillas to Indian chapatis. They are great served soft, filled with slaw or falafels, or baked until crisp and served with dips, soups or stews.

Flatbread should be stored either tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, in a sealed container, or in a ziplock bag. Flatbread tastes best stored at room temperature, where it will last for three days.

“Flatbreads are extremely versatile so it allows consumers to do different things with them at home whether it be for a sandwich carrier, a wrap or a pizza, something you can even top, something you can season, toast, cut it up or serve with soups and salads,” Ms. Rayo said.

Flatbread is commonly described as a type of bread that is used worldwide. It is made of flour, water and salt, and the dough is flattened into a thin rectangular shape.

Tortillas are typically baked on a triple pass oven, while flatbreads are usually baked in a tunnel oven. Flatbreads may also require a proofing or resting period that varies based on the specific flatbread being made.

Naan is a flatbread, whereas bread comes in loaves. Naan is higher in fat, protein, and carbohydrates than loaf bread. The higher protein content of naan will allow you to feel fuller for longer and curve cravings.

I know most people aren't use to being told they "have" to order something a certain way but believe me if you don't heat the flatbread it's not edible. Unless you like dry crusty crumbly bread with stale taste.

Tortillas are typically baked on a triple pass oven, while flatbreads are usually baked in a tunnel oven. Flatbreads may also require a proofing or resting period that varies based on the specific flatbread being made.

Every culture knows that if you have flour (any flour), you can make bread (flatbread). Wherever you travel in the world, someone is making flatbread. That's because flatbread is a quick, simple way to turn flour into non-fussy bread. , using wild wheat and barley in around 8500 BC.