5 Ingredient Flatbread

Recently I checked the ingredients in the store-bought flatbread Gary and I use to make pizzas. Not only does it have preservatives, it has an unbelievably long list of some words I can't even pronounce. I’d check Google to find out what all this stuff is, but I’m too lazy. I probably don’t want to know anyway. Instead, I’ve started making my own flatbread. It takes less than five minutes to put together and only has five ingredients, all of which I can easily say and understand.

Experiment with spices/herbs (oregano, rosemary, basil, or chili powder, etc.) to find your perfect blend. Gary loves Italian seasoning, so that's what I'm going with today.

Whole Wheat Flatbread

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
½ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
½ teaspoon salt
¼-½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to desired taste)
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (or to desired taste)

½ cup warm water

Olive oil (optional)

Combine wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a food processor. With processor running, pour in water, and process until mixture comes together—about 30 seconds (if necessary, add water by the tablespoon until ball starts to form). Remove dough from processor, and form into a ball. Dough should be a little bit sticky (not dry). Cover with plastic wrap, and let dough rest for 30 minutes on countertop.

After dough has rested, pinch some off and roll into the size and shape of a golf ball, about 1½ inches, or whatever size you prefer—golf ball-size will make about a 7 in. circle. Place on a lightly floured surface, and roll out. I find that rotating the dough ball about 90 degrees with each roll helps keep it round. Add a little flour to dough/rolling pin as needed.

It’s okay if your bread isn't shaped perfectly. Rustic is good. You'll get the hang of it. Place flattened dough on a sheet pan, slightly overlapping if necessary.

Grill flatbread on indoor or outdoor grill about 1 minute on each side until they begin to char and puff up. Don’t overcook. Bread can also be cooked on the stovetop in a large, lightly oiled skillet. Brush bread with olive oil before grilling, if desired.

Make ahead and freeze for quick pizzas or pita wraps. Or serve as a side with your favorite soup or pasta. For pizza, top grilled flatbread with your favorite ingredients. Today, we used pesto sauce, sausage, onions, mushrooms, black olives and mozzarella. Place pizzas in 400 degree oven on lowest rack for 10 minutes or so.