If you’re looking for an unleavened bread recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Although you can’t do a lot of variations with this very simple bread, you can always add your own twist to personalize it.
the history of unleavened bread dates back nearly 30,000 years. It has been an integral part of mankind’s diet for so long that some historians believe that even prehistoric people had their version of bread, albeit unleavened bread and a far cry from what is now sold in grocery stores. It’s no wonder bread has been around for so long.
Its basic ingredients, flour, salt and water, were also the mainstays of human cuisine from the beginning. The way it turned into the soft, chewy kind you’re used to is partly thanks to the many other ingredients added to this simple recipe and the methods used in cooking. Read on to learn about the best unleavened bread recipes that have been tried and tested by many people.
Overview
In all its forms, bread is one of the most consumed foods in the world. It is the main source of carbohydrates for many households, regardless of country or climate. In fact, wheat, the raw material for flour, is a rustic crop. It can grow even in extreme climatic conditions.
Despite its many flavors and variety, the bread is mostly classified as sourdough or unleavened bread. The main difference is the leavening agent, which causes the dough to rise into a loaf or bun. Unleavened bread stays flat and is therefore called flatbread. It is the closest thing to the first bread that was first created.
Yeast that makes bread rise also dates back to early civilization. Skilled bakers are said to have made it from ancient Egypt in 300 BC. Its discovery was probably accidental, but this leavening agent has long been an important ingredient in many recipes outside of bread making. Still, some people and cultures prefer their bread unleavened, and that’s perfectly fine.
What is Unleavened Bread?
Middle Eastern pita, Indian naan, and Central American tortillas are some examples of unleavened bread. These types of breads have been eaten in these regions for centuries, with families passing down their recipes from generation to generation.
Unleavened bread does not require leavening agents such as yeast when baking. They are best accompanied by meats, vegetables and sauces, much like a regular sandwich. It’s also a more popular choice for its compact and portable shape that can easily be stored in pockets or bags for a convenient snack. Not to mention it tastes delicious, especially when freshly baked!
best unleavened bread recipe
For the simplest version of an unleavened bread recipe, you will only need a few items. It will only take a few hours to do it. Spending time in your home kitchen baking bread instead of buying it will be worth it, not to mention fun. See below for ingredients and cooking instructions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups of water
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Mix all the dry ingredients. These include both types of flour until well combined.
- Add the olive oil and gradually add the water while kneading.
- Start kneading with a dough hook or rolling pin with just the right amount of pressure until you form a nice firm dough. Be sure to dust the flat surface with a little flour to avoid leftover dough on the surface.
- Knead by hand for 3 minutes after using the tools. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and pliable.
- Place the dough in a steep bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let stand 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Take out each piece and brush with olive oil.
- Cover again and leave to rest for another half hour.
- Preheat your oven to its maximum temperature. Put a pizza stone inside or any baking sheet.
- Spread your dough on the baking sheet and press until the desired thickness is reached. You can use different sheets for each piece of dough.
- Bake for 3-4 minutes while pushing out air bubbles with something sharp like a fork or knife.
- Serve immediately or place directly in an airtight container to prevent it from hardening or going stale. Enjoy!
Remember that leftover unleavened bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. Unleavened bread can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Your final product can be consumed at any time of the day. It goes with almost everything!
For breakfast, you can pair it with eggs, beans, and bacon. Then, for lunch, a delicious meat and vegetable wrap can be a fulfilling meal. For dinner, keep it simple by pairing it with a sauce of your choice or one of your favorite sandwich spreads.
Unleavened bread is a versatile food, like pizza, and delicious even when eaten on its own.
Gluten Free Unleavened Bread Recipe
Unfortunately for gluten-sensitive people, wheat naturally contains gluten. The unleavened bread recipe listed above uses plain all-purpose flour that can be purchased at many grocery stores. If you want a gluten-free version of this baking recipe, opt for gluten free flour. Examples of these are almond, buckwheat, sorghum, brown rice and oat flour.
Final Thoughts
Unleavened bread has been part of our diet for many years. It dates back to cave humans who discovered fire and learned to cook their food on stone slabs. Flatbreads are also part of the cuisine of many cultures, especially in the Middle Eastern part of the world. They are a good source of carbohydrates for many and can provide needed energy and nourishment even when consumed in small amounts.
However, unleavened bread may contain allergens that you may be sensitive to, such as gluten and dairy. If you plan to bake it yourself, be sure to check each ingredient first so you can whip up a safe yet delicious version of this staple bread.
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