Cheese and Herb Stuffed Flatbread

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Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • All-Purpose Flour: 240 grams (about 1 1/2 cups)
    Forms the base of the dough, providing structure and elasticity.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
    Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the richness of the cheese filling.
  • Warm Milk: 150 milliliters (about 3/5 cup)
    Activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a soft and pliable dough.

For the Filling:

  • Grated Cheddar Cheese: 150 grams (or your favorite cheese)
    Melts beautifully and adds a rich, savory flavor to the flatbread.
  • Parsley: A bunch, chopped
    Adds freshness and a mild herb flavor that complements the cheese.
  • Dill: A small bunch, chopped
    Brings a unique, slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the cheese and parsley.

For Cooking:

  • Butter: 60 grams, melted
    Used to brush the flatbreads, giving them a golden, crispy exterior.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine 240 grams of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
    Even distribution of salt helps to enhance the flavor of the dough.
  2. Add the Warm Milk:
    Gradually pour in 150 milliliters of warm milk, stirring continuously until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
    Warm milk helps in activating the gluten, making the dough easier to work with.
  3. Knead the Dough:
    Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
    Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the dough its structure and elasticity.
  4. Let the Dough Rest:
    Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
    Resting allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix the Herbs and Cheese:
    In a medium bowl, combine 150 grams of grated cheddar cheese, the chopped parsley, and dill. Mix well to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
    The combination of herbs adds freshness and a burst of flavor to the cheese filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Flatbreads

  1. Divide the Dough:
    After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized portions, depending on how large you want your flatbreads.
    Dividing the dough evenly ensures consistent cooking.
  2. Roll Out the Dough:
    On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a thin circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
    Rolling the dough thinly ensures that the flatbread cooks evenly and quickly.
  3. Add the Filling:
    Place a generous amount of the cheese and herb mixture on one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
    Sealing the edges prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking.
  4. Brush with Butter:
    Lightly brush both sides of the filled flatbreads with the melted butter.
    Brushing with butter gives the flatbreads a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Cook the Flatbreads

  1. Heat the Pan:
    Heat a large, non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Flatbreads:
    Place the flatbreads in the skillet, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
    Cooking over medium heat ensures the flatbreads cook through without burning.
  3. Brush with Additional Butter (Optional):
    For an extra buttery flavor, you can brush the flatbreads with more melted butter after cooking.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve Warm:
    Serve the flatbreads warm, straight from the skillet. They are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like yogurt or sour cream.
    Serving warm ensures the cheese is still melted and gooey, making each bite irresistible.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 220-250 calories per flatbread
  • Protein: 6-8g
  • Fat: 12-14g
  • Carbohydrates: 22-25g
  • Fiber: 1-2g

Tips for Success

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill give the best flavor. If you can, avoid dried herbs for this recipe.
  2. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a great choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or gouda.
  3. Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the flatbreads, as this can make it difficult to seal them properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
    • Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using it. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
  2. Can I bake the flatbreads instead of frying them?
    • Yes, you can bake the flatbreads in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
  3. What other fillings can I use?
    • You can try other fillings like sautéed spinach and feta, caramelized onions and goat cheese, or even a sweet filling like Nutella with bananas.

Conclusion

These Cheese and Herb Stuffed Flatbreads are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a light meal, or alongside a main course, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.