Quick Garlic Flatbreads: The Perfect Soft and Garlicky Side Dish

Introduction

Flatbreads are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a base for your favorite dips, or something to complement your curry, quick garlic flatbreads are the answer. These soft, garlicky, and flavorful flatbreads come together in no time, using just a few basic ingredients. The best part? They don’t require yeast or hours of rising time. With this quick garlic flatbread recipe, you’ll have a batch of warm, fresh flatbreads in just about 20 minutes. They are a fantastic choice for a last-minute addition to any meal, and their versatility makes them a great choice for a variety of cuisines.

In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through making garlic flatbreads that are crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this simple recipe will have you making perfect flatbreads in no time.

Ingredients You Need for Quick Garlic Flatbreads

To make these garlic flatbreads, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): The base for the flatbread. You can use all-purpose flour for a soft and pliable texture.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Helps to make the flatbread slightly airy, giving it a nice lift.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the ingredients.
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular plain yogurt): Greek yogurt adds a rich, tangy flavor to the dough and helps to make it soft and easy to work with.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil brings flavor to the dough and ensures that your flatbreads don’t dry out.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: The garlic is the star ingredient that gives this flatbread its savory, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional): This is an optional addition for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Melted butter or olive oil, for brushing: Brush the finished flatbreads with butter or olive oil to keep them soft and add extra flavor.

These ingredients come together to create a simple yet flavorful flatbread that’s sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Quick Garlic Flatbreads

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by preparing the dough for your quick garlic flatbreads. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mixture that will serve as the foundation of the dough.

Next, add the Greek yogurt and mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. The yogurt will help bind the ingredients and create a soft, pliable dough that’s easy to handle.

Once you’ve mixed the dough, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 2–3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial because it develops the gluten in the dough, which will give the flatbread its texture.

Step 2: Rest the Dough

After kneading, cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 10–15 minutes. This resting time allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out into thin flatbreads.

Don’t skip this step! The resting time allows the gluten to settle, ensuring your flatbreads will be soft and easy to cook.

Step 3: Shape the Flatbreads

Once the dough has rested, divide it into 4–6 equal pieces depending on how large you want your flatbreads. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it out using a rolling pin. Roll the dough into a thin oval or circle, about ¼ inch thick.

At this point, you can shape your garlic flatbreads into whatever size and shape you prefer. You can make them small and round, or larger ovals—whatever suits your meal!

Step 4: Cook the Flatbreads

To cook the quick garlic flatbreads, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While the skillet is heating up, prepare the garlic oil mixture by combining the olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped parsley or cilantro in a small bowl. This mixture will be used to brush the flatbreads before and after cooking.

Once the skillet is hot, brush one side of the flatbreads with the garlic oil mixture. Place the flatbread, garlic side down, onto the skillet and cook for about 1–2 minutes, until the underside is golden and bubbles begin to form. Flip the flatbread, and cook for another 1–2 minutes on the other side, brushing it with more garlic oil for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the flatbread from the skillet and place it on a plate. You can brush the top with extra melted butter or olive oil to add a glossy finish and keep the flatbreads soft. These quick garlic flatbreads are best served warm, making them perfect for dipping in curries, soups, or enjoying on their own as a snack.

Why You Should Try These Quick Garlic Flatbreads

These garlic flatbreads are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. They pair well with almost any savory dish, including soups, stews, curries, or as a side with grilled meats.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require any rising time or complicated steps. You can have fresh, soft flatbreads ready in just about 20 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can make delicious flatbreads at home, without having to rely on store-bought versions.
• Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or cheese to your dough for a personalized twist on these classic flatbreads.
• Perfect for Dipping: These flatbreads are ideal for dipping into sauces, hummus, or salsas.

FAQs About Quick Garlic Flatbreads

1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Yes, you can use regular plain yogurt if you don’t have Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt provides a thicker texture, but regular yogurt will work just fine.

2. Can I add cheese to the dough? Absolutely! You can mix in some shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for cheesy garlic flatbreads.

3. How long can I store leftover flatbreads? Leftover flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

4. Can I make these flatbreads in advance? You can prepare the dough ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

5. Can I make these flatbreads gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

These quick garlic flatbreads are an easy, flavorful, and versatile addition to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have soft, garlicky flatbreads that are perfect for dipping or as a side to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or as a snack, these flatbreads will surely impress.

So why not give them a try today? You’ll be surprised by how simple and delicious they are to make!

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