Flatbread Dough Recipes

Steps:

• Mix water and yeast in a large bowl and let stand 5 minutes to proof. Gradually pour in 2 cups of the flour and stir to incorporate. Mix for about 1 minute to form a sponge. Let stand, covered, for at least 1 hour.
• Put sponge in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, add the salt and oil, then add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to form a dough. Remove from bowl and knead. Place in a clean oiled bowl and let rise, slowly, about 2 1/2 hours. Divide dough into 4 balls, let rise again for 1/2 hour, and then roll out as desired.

Steps:

• Sift the flours and 1 tsp salt into a large bowl. Add 1 tbsp of the oil and 150ml warm water. Bring together into a soft but not too sticky dough (you may need up to 175ml water). If it feels too wet, add some flour. If it's too dry, add water.
• Tip onto a floured surface and knead for 4-5 mins, or until smooth. Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover and leave for 30 mins.
• Tip onto a floured surface. Divide into six balls and roll each out into a thin, 18-20cm wide circle using a rolling pin. If you prefer, you can divide again into twelve balls to make smaller flatbreads.
• Brush a heavy-based pan with oil and cook one flatbread over a high heat for 1-2 mins on each side, or until golden and starting to puff. Put on a plate and brush with butter. Repeat with the rest of the dough.

Steps:

• Combine the boiling water and 1/3 cup cornmeal in a bowl; let stand 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a small bowl, and let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine cornmeal mixture, flour and salt in a food processor, and pulse 4 times or until blended. With processor on, slowly add yeast mixture and oil through food chute; process until dough forms a ball. Process 1 additional minute. (To prepare dough by hand, combine cornmeal mixture, flour, and salt in a bowl; stir until well-blended. Add yeast mixture and oil, stirring well.).
• Turn dough out onto a floured surface, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times (dough will feel tacky). Place dough in a bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover; let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.).
• Punch down dough; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Divide dough into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a ball (cover remaining dough while working to prevent it from drying).
• Roll each ball into a 10 x 6 inch oval. Place 2 ovals on a baking sheet lightly dusted with 1 1/2 teaspoons cornmeal. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 ovals on an additional baking sheet lightly dusted with 1 1/2 teaspoons cornmeal. Add toppings and bake according to recipe directions (see recipe for Zucchini, Walnut, and blue cheese flatbread and mushroom, onion and cherry tomato flatbread recipes). Note: If you use whole-grain cornmeal, which still contains some of the hull and germ of the dried corn, you will need to increase the flour to 2 1/4 cups.

Steps:

• In the bowl of a food processor combine the yeast, sugar, flour, salt and thyme. Pulse to combine. Add the water in a steady stream until the dough begins to form a ball, turn it on to a board and knead with the heel of your hand until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Coat a bowl with oil. Place dough in bowl, and cover with a damp cloth. Put in a warm spot to rise until double in size, about 1 hour.
• When the dough has doubled in size, punch the dough, scrape it onto the counter and knead it lightly into a smooth ball. Cut into 20 pieces and with a rolling pin roll out to form very flat 5 to 6-inch circles.
• Preheat a stove top grill pan over medium high. Do not oil. Place bread on hot grill and cook without touching it until you see bubbles on the surface, about 1 to 2 minutes. Turn and continue to cook 1 to 2 minutes more or until bread has puffed up. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• 1. Process the flour and 2 teaspoons salt in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook until thoroughly incorporated, 1 minute.
• 2. Put the yeast in another bowl. Whisk in 1/4 cup warm water, then 2 tablespoons of the oil. Let rest until the liquid begins to foam, about 10 minutes, then pour this mixture into the center of the flour. Mix the flour and yeast solution until incorporated. Add 3/4 cup warm water to the flour and mix again until the dough pulls together in a single, unified mass.
• 3. Turn the mass out onto a lightly floured surface and begin to knead the dough by working it with the heel of your hand. Push outward and pull the inside edge over the top. Repeat the process over and over to create a smooth ball of dough free of stickiness. This should take 6 to 8 minutes.
• 4. Brush a clean, stainless-steel bowl with the remaining tablespoon oil and put the ball of dough in the bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• 5. When the dough has risen, divide it in half, or thirds for thinner pizzas, and shape the pieces into balls that will later be patted into the traditional pizza shape. The balls of dough can be individually wrapped in plastic and frozen for up to 2 months.