Jamaican Flatbread
This Jamaican flatbread recipe is so simple and easy to make. The best part is NO YEAST! Taking only 10 minutes to make, you can have delicious flatbreads to soak up all that leftover gravy on the plate.
Flatbread is a traditional side for many nations across the world.
From the Middle East to Africa and the Americas, there are many ways to make simple but delicious flatbreads.
I never knew flatbread could be so easy to make until I started to think about different side dishes to try with the curry chickpeas dinner I made.
I wanted to eat something other than rice each time I cooked anything with a lot of gravy.
Then it hit me – why not try flatbreads? But then I thought, I’m going to need yeast, right?
And then it hit me again – I actually may not.
So I checked and found some major differences when making flatbreads.
What are Flatbreads?
Flatbreads are bread made with mainly flour, water, and salt. Some flatbreads may include other ingredients like milk, yogurt, or other liquids.
However, to keep things simple the main ingredients were all I needed.
What makes some flatbread recipes even better is that it doesn’t use any leavening (rising) agent.
Breads like pita breads and naan breads – though known as flatbreads, use leavening agents such as yeast, milk, eggs, or butter for more texture and flavors.
Flatbreads vs. Roti
While I’m sticking to the main ingredients of most traditional flatbreads, I did want my flatbreads to be as airy and light as possible.
For this recipe, though I used baking powder for lighter bread, it is an optional ingredient.
You can still achieve light, airy flatbreads just the same without it.
With that said, roti, on the other hand, is an unleavened flatbread.
Made traditionally with stone ground wheat flour and water with optionally salt is used.
The ingredients are combined into a round dough, left to rest, and then flattened and heated on a tava or pan.
Did You Know? Bammy is a known Jamaican flatbread, with the main ingredient being cassava.
It was introduced to the Jamaican culture through Arawaks, who once inhabited the island.
Ingredients To Use
- Flour – regular all-purpose flour is fine. For a healthier bread recipe try whole-wheat flour instead.
- Salt – store-bought salt works fine.
- Water – Some recipes may use cold water but I store my flour in the fridge temporarily (to prevent weevils). So I use room temperature water to help form a better dough with the cold flour.
- Oil – vegetable oil or olive oil is a great choice for frying your flatbreads.
How To Make Jamaican Flatbread
I just love how easy and simple this recipe is. When making your flatbreads, you can follow these few simple steps.
For a more detailed guide, you can see the recipe card below.
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
- Add small amounts of water while using a spoon to combine water with the dry ingredients.
- When the dough is partially formed, use your hands to finish forming the dough.
- Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide into small balls then flatten with a rolling pin or a wide-bottom bottle or plate.
- Fry each bread until golden brown, then serve with sides.
Tips When Making Jamaican Flatbread
- Flatbreads can be served with many dishes and can even be used to make burgers instead of the usual burger buns.
- For best results, cook on medium heat to prevent cooking a tough flatbread. It also helps to wrap in a clean kitchen towel as the steam helps keep the flatbreads soft and moist.
- The thinner the dough the crispier the flatbread will be.
- For additional flavor brush with melted butter.
Serving Suggestions
This flatbread recipe is the best side dish to try with anything that has lots of gravy. Since it sops up the gravy pretty well.
Some great serving suggestions include:
- Anything curry – curry chickpeas, curry chicken, curry goat, and so on
- Hummus
- Stews and soups
- Add toppings to make a pizza as well
- Scrambles eggs and cheese for a tasty breakfast
Storing and Reheating
You can make your flatbreads ahead of time and keep them warm in a damn hand towel before serving warm with your main course dish.
Leftover breads can be stored by placing them in a ziploc bag or airtight container and stored at room temperature for 1-2 days.
For even longer periods, store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; in the freezer, it can last up to a month.
Reheat flatbreads by adding oil to a frying pan and fry on medium heat. Flip to toast or warm both sides
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Jamaican Flatbread (Easy Roti Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 cup water
- vegetable oil (or olive oil)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift flour 3-4 times. The flour will be lighter and airier to form the dough.
- Add baking powder and salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients.
- Stir in small amounts of water into the flour mixture. Using a spoon, mix to combine and form a dough.
- Use your hand to form the dough. The dough should be soft and moist but not sticky. If sticky, add more flour.
- Allow the dough to rest for 5-10 mins.
- Sprinkle flour on a clean counter or flat surface. Place dough on the floured surface. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough, then use a knife to cut the dough into 8-10 pieces (about the size of an egg)
- Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten each ball about ¼ inch thick. Or, if you don’t have a rolling pin, like me, use a wide-bottom bottle or plate to help flatten each ball. Then, use your hands to help stretch and flatten the sides.
- Add oil to a frying pan on medium heat and cook each flatbread for 2-3 minutes. Flip when air bubbles form or until golden brown.
- Remove from pan and serve warm.
Notes
Notes for Making Jamaican Flatbread
- Flatbreads can be served with many dishes and can even be used to make burgers instead of the usual burger buns.
- For best results, cook on medium heat to prevent cooking a tough flatbread. It also helps to wrap in a clean kitchen towel as the steam helps keep the flatbreads soft and moist.
- The thinner the dough, the crispier the flatbread will be.
- For additional flavor, brush with melted butter.
