DC to Paree: Knead Easy Flatbread
The DC to Paree (Paris) Series is a collection of quirky recipes from a DC girl (me) and her food adventures in France. DC to Paree (Paris) opens the window into a whimsical, herb-filled French kitchen. With a table full of wine, delicate fish and lentil entrees along side tender lamb and crêpe appetizers, this recipe album is inspired by the diverse café culture and open-air food markets of Paris.
You’re no baker but you appreciate OUTSTANDING bread when you bite it. To make it at home become friends with The Fool-Proof Flatbread. The dough is a 5-minute, stove-top wonder, made from 5 elements – salt, sugar, flour, water, and olive oil (add yeast, if you want). The easy dough recipe makes tons of flatbread, screaming for Indian-curry chicken, guacamole and eggs, cumin-spiced shrimp with tomatoes and garlic cream and is killer for your Eater’s Shindig.
Flatbread Ingredients
3 Cups Flour
1 Tbsp. Sugar
2 tsp. Kosher salt
1 Cup Water
1/2 tsp. Active dry yeast
1 Tbsp. Olive oil
How to Make Easy Flatbread
1. Add yeast to a plastic bowl. In a small pot bring water to a simmer. Add water to the yeast, stir gently and let it sit, at room temperature, for 10 minutes.
2. Mix flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add water, olive oil and mix in the bowl until dough forms. Using a clean and dry work surface, add a pinch of flour to lightly cover the surface. Knead the dough on the floured surface until smooth, about 8 – 10 minutes. Line a bowl with plastic wrap and add the dough. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and set aside, until dough doubles in size, about an hour.
3. Once dough is ready punch the dough and divide into fourths. Using a clean and dry work surface, add a pinch of flour to lightly cover the surface. Rub a pinch of flour on to a rolling-pin. Working with ¼ of dough at a time, roll each piece into a 1/8-inch thick oval.
4. On medium-high heat, add the rolled dough to a large non-stick pan. Cook the dough until browned, about 3 minutes a side. Top with authentic Indian chicken curry, tender drunken shrimp or delicate poached eggs and enjoy!
