Flaxseed Flatbread

By Taste of Lime

This is my husband’s flatbread recipe, and it’s such a versatile bread that we always try to keep some in the freezer just to have on hand. It’s made with freshly ground flaxseed along with white whole-wheat flour for a blend that’s both healthy and full of flavor. These flatbreads are soft and fold easily, yet sturdy enough to hold a substantial filling like grilled chicken. With creative topping combinations and fillings, it lends itself to a variety of possibilities. You can even make them into chips to dip in hummus or top it like an artisan pizza. Although, I think this flatbread is at its best when it’s hot off the skillet.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytochemicals called lignans, but it needs to be ground in order to release its health benefits. You can buy it already ground or grind it yourself with a small coffee or spice grinder. Either way, it should be stored in the refrigerator once the bag is opened. Ground flaxseed can go rancid quickly when left at room temperature because of the oil in the flaxseed.

White Whole-Wheat Flour

White whole-wheat flour is a variety of flour all its own. Milled from hard white spring wheat, it’s considered a whole grain because it contains all three parts of the kernel – the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. It has a milder taste than regular whole-wheat flour, and it’s lighter in color. The nutritional value is the same, and it makes for a softer texture in baked goods like breads, waffles, and muffins, and the flavor is less assertive. If you don’t have it on hand, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute in this recipe.

Tip

Freeze any leftover flatbreads in a gallon-size freezer bag. To defrost, place them on the countertop or take them out of the bag and thaw in the microwave, about 8 to 10 seconds for an individual flatbread.

Flatbread Topping Ideas

Flaxseed Flatbread

Servings: 10 to 12 flatbreads
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Note: If you don’t have white whole-wheat flour, use all-purpose flour for the entire recipe (for a total of 3 cups).

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon and sweep method of measuring)
1 cup white whole-wheat flour (you can substitute all-purpose flour)
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon table salt
3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the yeast and warm water, stirring until the yeast is dissolved. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Place all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer if you’re using one. Stir to combine. Add the yeast mixture and the butter. Use the dough hook on your mixer and beat for 8 minutes on medium speed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 more minutes. Add more flour as necessary to prevent stickiness. When the dough feels elastic and smooth, put it in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat on all sides. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the dough has doubled in size. If you’re making this without a mixer, knead it for 8 minutes, place it in the oiled bowl, and continue on with the directions.

Punch down the dough. Turn out again onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes. Divide the dough into equal pieces, about 10 to 12, approximately 80 grams each if you have a kitchen scale. Shape into balls and cover with a piece of plastic wrap. With a floured rolling pin, roll out 2 of the balls into thin discs, about 7 to 8 inches wide, 1/8-inch thick.

Heat an ungreased frying pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, cook one at a time for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side, until it looks cooked and with some browning. A fork works well to help flip it over. Adjust the temperature if the pan gets too hot, or not hot enough. While one is cooking, roll out another so you always have 2 ready to go on your work surface. Place on a wire rack as it comes off the pan. Stack the flatbreads on top of each other to keep them soft and warm. Any left over can be frozen.