There's something incredibly satisfying about making your own bread, and when it comes to homemade flatbreads, the experience is even more rewarding. Sourdough yiros flatbread is a perfect fusion of traditional Greek flavours with the rich, tangy notes of sourdough. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable and guarantees delicious results. Plus, it's incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to any meal. Let's dive into the steps to create this delightful flatbread.
Makes 6 flatbreads
Ingredients:
- 450g bread flour
- 300g filtered water
- 10g salt
- 100g active sourdough starter
Instructions:
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Mixing and Resting: Start by combining the bread flour, filtered water, salt, and active sourdough starter in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated. Lightly cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and let the mixture rest for 30 minutes. This resting period, known as autolyse, allows the flour to fully hydrate and helps develop gluten.
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Kneading the Dough: After resting, turn the dough out onto a floured bench. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading is crucial as it strengthens the gluten network, which gives the flatbread its structure and chewiness.
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Bulk Fermentation: Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover it, and let it bulk ferment until it has risen by about 30-50%. This process can take a few hours, depending on the temperature and the activity of your sourdough starter. During this time, the dough will develop flavour and texture.
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Shaping and Proving: Once the dough has risen, divide it into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and cover them with a damp tea towel. Let them prove for about an hour. Proving allows the dough to relax and become more workable.
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Cooking the Flatbreads: When you’re ready to cook, roll out each dough ball into a round, thin shape, roughly the size of a dinner plate. You can either use a little oil in your pan or lightly spray the dough with oil if you're cooking on a BBQ. Cook each flatbread for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. The flatbreads should be soft with a slight chew and a deliciously crisp exterior.
Serving Suggestions:
These sourdough yiros flatbreads are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. For a traditional Greek experience, load them up with your favourite yiros ingredients like marinated lamb, tzatziki, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. They also make an excellent base for wraps, sandwiches, or even as a side to dips and spreads.
Enjoy your homemade sourdough yiros flatbreads as a delightful addition to any meal, and relish the rich flavours and satisfying textures that only homemade bread can offer. Happy baking!