Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton There’s plenty to be said for lofty, airy loaves of bread that dramatically puff up in their pans in the oven. But flatbreads—despite being, you know, flat—are just as dramatic in flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Examine, if […]
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There’s plenty to be said for lofty, airy loaves of bread that dramatically puff up in their pans in the oven. But flatbreads—despite being, you know, flat—are just as dramatic in flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Examine, if you will, Moroccan mlaoui, with all of its buttery, chewy layers, or a chile- and garlic-stuffed kulcha, beautifully burnished under the heat of a broiler and dusted with fiery red chile powder. (Sourdough boules, I love you, but you’re in an entirely different class.) Pizza is arguably the world’s most beloved flatbread—and its ancestor focaccia is also damn fine, if you ask us. Some flatbread recipes, such as scallion bing and naan, get a little rise out of yeast, which gives them a more bready quality too; others have no leavening at all, including Gujarati theplas, Turkish gözleme, and tortillas. The world abounds with flatbread, and your kitchen should too.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Micah Marie Morton Sour Cream Thepla
Mlaoui
Pita
If you’ve only ever had dry supermarket pita, this is a different animal entirely: puffed up like a pillow, savory on its own, and ready to scoop up anything you like. Want to study up before you start your pita-making project? Check out Alon Shaya's guide to making pita at home.
Naan
Homemade Corn Tortillas
Yeasted Scallion and Sesame Bing (羌 饼, Qiāng Bĭng)
Frumentaty
Plachinda (Moldovan Breads With Cheese and Sorrel)
Gozleme With Spinach and Three Cheeses
Baghrir (1,000-Hole Pancakes)
Tortillas de Harina (Flour Tortillas)
Tlacoyos de Frijol y Requesón (Bean and Cheese Tlacoyos)
These masa-based bites might just be the ultimate street food snack, stuffed with mashed beans, fresh cheese, or fava beans and cooked to order until crispy on the outside, then piled with a refreshing salad of cactus paddle, cilantro, serrano chiles, and onion. Watch this video to see how they're made!
Reina Pepiada Arepas
Lavash