Discovering my food intolerances was a turning point about 18 months ago, especially when my partner and I relocated to Barbados. The local cuisine was vibrant and delicious, but finding dishes aligned with my dietary restrictions wasn't always easy. Determined to enjoy our new home without compromising my health, I embarked on a culinary adventure, experimenting with homemade bread recipes using local ingredients.
After numerous trials, we stumbled upon a Turkish-style flatbread recipe that quickly became our go-to staple for lunch. Its simplicity and versatility were unmatched. Whether we were craving sandwiches, stuffed pockets, or a canvas for vibrant toppings like homemade hummus, lettuce, and tomatoes, this flatbread delivered every time. Plus, the dough could be prepared in a breeze, lasting us two days before needing another batch.
Here's the recipe we've perfected over months of tinkering:
Turkish Style Flatbread Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup warm water
1 teaspoon yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons milk (or substitute)
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
mix warm water, sugar, and yeast thoroughly in a bowl. Let it sit in a warm spot for 5-10 minutes until bubbly foam forms on the surface.
Add oil, milk, salt and flour to the mixture. Stir with a spoon until combined.
Knead the dough until it's smooth and doesn't stick to your hands. Add more flour if needed.
Allow the dough to rise for at least an hour, or overnight.
Knock the air out of the dough by tapping the bowl against the counter and transfer it onto a floured surface.
Divide the dough into 6 portions and roll each into a 1cm thick circle.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
Cook each rolled-out dough for about 30 seconds on one side until it bubbles, then flip and cook for another 15 seconds.
Ideally, the bread should puff up like a balloon, but don't worry if it doesn't—it'll still taste amazing!
This quick and easy bread doesn't even require an oven, making it perfect for any kitchen setup. Why not give it a try and experience the joy of homemade bread?
Check your understanding
What led the author to start making bread while living in Barbados?
Why did the author settle on a Turkish-style flatbread recipe?
How does the author describe the versatility of the flatbread?
What are the key ingredients and steps involved in making the Turkish-style flatbread?
Can you explain the cooking process for the flatbread, including how it should ideally look when cooking?
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Vocabulary
Intolerances: These are adverse reactions to certain foods or substances, often resulting in digestive discomfort or other symptoms. People may have intolerances to specific ingredients such as lactose or gluten.
Dough: A mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients that is kneaded and then baked to make bread, pastry, etc.
Versatile: Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities. In the context of food, it means something that can be used in various ways or for various purposes.
Bubbly: Full of bubbles or producing bubbles. When referring to yeast, it describes the foam or bubbles formed on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.
Tinkering: Making small changes or adjustments to something in order to improve or experiment with it. In this context, it refers to the process of experimenting with the flatbread recipe to perfect it over time.
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