Flatbread on the run!

I was recently browsing the Vegan Kaleigh blog when I happened upon her recipe for flatbread. It includes three ingredients. That's it! So simple. So easy. So why shouldn't I complicate it, right? Her great original recipe can be viewed here - Flatbread Lunch. If you would like to see my 'I have to complicate everything' version, then read on!

Another great thing about these flatbreads is that they are freezable. Even though they are fast and easy to make, sometimes you have 5 minutes to eat before you have to run right back out the door. So making these beforehand can still be a benefit!

My version is still fast, but requires a lot more ingredients, but because of her super easy recipe, we can revise it to make different flavors of her original. I made a sort of Italian flavored flatbread for dinner this evening. I did the following:

Italian-Style Flatbread


1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup vital wheat gluten
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. oregano
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup water

1. Mix dry ingredients well.
2. Mix in water. The longer you let this sit, the more the vital wheat gluten activates. It should be completely finished in 30 minutes. It will act more like white dough, which is fabulous to work with, but still be as healthy as whole wheat.
   
3. Divide dough into 4-5 pieces.
4. Roll out long flatbread pieces on a well floured surface with a rolling pin.
5. Put into a dry frying pan and cook on one side until it starts to puff. Turn over and finish cooking. The whole cooking process should only take about 2 minutes.

I topped my piece of flatbread with fresh spinach leaves, Not Chicken Salad, carrot shavings, and sliced black olives.












Want to make some different flavors?

For some Mediterranean flair, replace the oregano with rosemary, then top the flatbread with a Mediterranean spread.

Want some Asian fusion? Replace the oregano and salt with 2 tablespoons of light miso. Top with sauteed shiitake mushrooms and bean sprouts!

How about spicy Mexican flavor? Use 1 teaspoon of tomato paste, 1/4 teaspoon of red chili pepper flakes, reduce oregano to 1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon of ground toasted cumin, and 2 tablespoons of garlic powder. Add black pepper to taste.

Or maybe you liked the idea of a bit of Italian, but want more Italian toppings. Top this with Bruschetta which you can make by mixing a chopped tomato, 2 tablespoons of basil, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Add salt and black pepper to taste.