Jamie Oliver’s Flatbread with Yogurt is a simple yet delicious twist on the classic flatbread. It’s soft, slightly tangy and incredibly easy to make. The yogurt in the dough gives the bread a rich texture and helps it become wonderfully pliable. It’s perfect as a side to any dish or even on its own with a little dip or spread. What sets this recipe apart is how minimal the ingredients are, yet the end result is irresistibly good. This is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re just starting out.
Jamie Oliver Flatbread With Yogurt Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of Jamie’s flatbread recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Self-raising flour – This is the star of the show. It gives the flatbread that perfect puffiness without the need for yeast.
- Yogurt – This adds moisture and a bit of tang to the dough, making it incredibly soft and tender.
- Olive oil – A dash of olive oil adds a nice richness to the dough.
- Salt – Just a pinch but it brings all the flavors together.
- Warm water – To help bring everything together into a dough. It should be lukewarm, not hot, to activate the flour and yogurt without ruining the texture.
- Optional: Toppings and seasonings. A sprinkle of herbs, garlic or a drizzle of olive oil after baking can make the flatbread even more flavorful.
Equipment Needed
When it comes to equipment, Jamie Oliver keeps it pretty straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl – For combining the dough ingredients. The bigger, the better to give yourself room to mix.
- Rolling pin – To roll out the dough. If you don’t have one, your hands can do the job in a pinch.
- Non-stick frying pan – Ideally, a good non-stick frying pan works best for cooking the flatbreads on the stovetop. You want a high heat to get those crispy edges.
- A spatula – To flip the flatbreads without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons. To ensure your ingredient ratios are on point.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Flatbread With Yogurt
Making Jamie’s flatbread with yogurt is almost as fun as eating it. The process is super straightforward and you’ll be left with a batch of warm, fresh flatbreads in no time.
- Prepare the dough – Start by mixing the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add in the yogurt and olive oil, then slowly pour in the warm water. Stir everything together until it forms a soft dough. You might need to add a little more water or flour depending on the consistency but it should be soft, not too sticky.
- Knead the dough – Once you’ve combined the ingredients, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few minutes. The idea is to get it smooth and elastic which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Rest the dough – Let the dough sit for about 10 minutes. This rest period helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
- Roll out the dough. After resting, divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use a rolling pin to roll them out into thin discs. The thinner you roll them, the crisper the flatbread will be but don’t stress about making them perfect circles. Rustic is good!
- Cook the flatbreads – Heat your frying pan on medium-high heat. You don’t need any oil; the flatbread will cook in the dry pan. Place one disc of dough into the pan and let it cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown spots appear. Flip it with a spatula and cook the other side.
- Serve – Once they’re cooked, you can serve them warm with whatever you like. A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of herbs or even a bit of cheese works wonders.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s flatbread with yogurt taught me how simple ingredients can come together to create something amazing. The yogurt in the dough really makes a difference in the texture. it’s soft but still holds together. The dough was incredibly easy to work with and I loved how quickly the flatbreads cooked in the pan. No need for an oven which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights.
One key takeaway for me was how versatile this recipe can be. You could turn it into a sweet flatbread by adding honey or cinnamon or make it savory by topping it with garlic and herbs. You could even use it as a wrap for sandwiches or as a base for a pizza-style meal.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Flatbread With Yogurt
Jamie Oliver’s flatbread with yogurt is simple yet incredibly flavorful but there’s always room for personal twists. If you want to play around with flavors or textures, here are some fun tweaks:
- Herb Variations: Instead of just using olive oil and sea salt, add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or even basil to the dough. This creates a subtle herbaceous note that will complement the tanginess of the yogurt beautifully. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a bit of dried oregano or za’atar over the dough before baking.
- Flour Substitutes: The recipe usually calls for plain flour but you can switch it up for whole wheat or spelt flour for a heartier texture. If you’re after something a bit different, try using a gluten-free flour blend to make it more accessible for those with dietary restrictions. Just make sure to adjust the liquid measurements as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture.
- Sweet Twist: If you want to play on the sweet side, you could incorporate a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup into the dough. A dash of cinnamon or cardamom could also transform this from a savory treat to something sweet and aromatic. Serve it with a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a dessert-like experience.
- Toppings Galore: While the yogurt topping is already great, you can load it up with more toppings. Think roasted garlic, thin slices of cucumber, a drizzle of tahini or pomegranate seeds for some extra crunch and color. A sprinkle of chili flakes or a few fresh mint leaves can also amp up the flavor profile.
- Spice it up: If you’re into heat, toss some chili powder or smoked paprika into the dough for a smoky, spicy kick. Or even infuse the yogurt topping with a bit of harissa for an extra zing.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover flatbread, lucky you! Here’s how to store and keep it fresh:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat it within a couple of days, store your flatbread at room temperature. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to help preserve its softness. Avoid plastic bags as they can make the bread soggy.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Let the flatbread cool completely, then stack the pieces with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together. Place the stack in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up in a hot pan or in the oven for a couple of minutes.
- Reheating: To bring back that just-baked feel, reheat the flatbread in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side. This will help crisp it up without drying it out. You could also use a microwave if you’re in a rush but it might lose some of its crispiness.
- Yogurt: The yogurt topping is best eaten fresh. If you have leftover yogurt, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge. If you’ve mixed it with herbs or spices, it can last a day or two but it’s best used right away.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Flatbread With Yogurt?
This flatbread is a versatile dish that can pair with various sides or be served as a base for a bigger meal. Here are some tasty ideas to accompany it:
- Mediterranean Dips: Think hummus, baba ganoush or tzatziki. These dips complement the richness of the yogurt and offer a creamy, flavorful contrast to the bread’s softness. A few crunchy veggie sticks on the side like cucumber, carrots and bell peppers make the perfect pairing.
- Salads: A fresh salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers and olives gives a refreshing contrast to the warm, soft bread. A lemony vinaigrette will tie it all together and cut through the richness of the yogurt topping.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini or bell peppers work beautifully with the flatbread. The smokiness from the grill pairs perfectly with the subtle flavors of the dough and yogurt.
- Charcuterie or Grilled Meats: For a more filling option, serve the flatbread with some grilled meats-chicken skewers, lamb koftes or even a bit of prosciutto or salami. The yogurt acts as a creamy dip and the flatbread is great for wrapping up meat.
- Spicy Lamb or Beef: If you love something with a bit of a kick, spicy lamb or beef kebabs will add richness and heat, making for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Flatbread With Yogurt Without Yogurt?
You can, but the yogurt helps with texture and flavor. If you skip it, you might need to adjust the liquids with milk or water.
How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Flatbreads Need To Cook?
They usually cook in about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the heat of your pan.
Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Flatbread With Yogurt?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool, then wrap them tightly in foil or a plastic bag before freezing.