Cheese and Oregano Stuffed Flatbread is a mouthwatering dish that combines the melty goodness of cheese with the fragrant, herbaceous flavor of oregano, all enclosed in a soft, crispy dough. It’s the perfect dish for a quick snack or light meal and is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides or be enjoyed on its own. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to preparing this simple yet flavorful recipe.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 350 g (3 cups) of all-purpose flour
- 150 ml of warm water (for making the dough)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (for flavor)
- 75 ml of vegetable oil (for softness and moisture)
- 6 g of baking powder (for lightness)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil works well)
For the Stuffing:
- 200 g of cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar, or any other melting cheese of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (adds a wonderful herbaceous flavor)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder. These dry ingredients will form the base for your dough.
- Add the oil: Pour in the vegetable oil and mix it well with the dry ingredients. You want the flour to absorb the oil fully, which will contribute to a tender flatbread.
- Add the water: Gradually pour in the warm water, stirring continuously. The goal is to create a dough that’s smooth and pliable.
- Knead the dough: Once the dough begins to form, turn it out onto a clean surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. This step is important because kneading develops the gluten, which gives the flatbread its soft and chewy texture.
- Rest the dough: Once the dough is smooth and elastic, cover it with a damp cloth and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting helps to relax the dough, making it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- Grate or chop the cheese: Take your cheese and either grate it or chop it into small pieces. Mozzarella works particularly well, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or even a combination of cheeses for added richness.
- Mix with oregano: In a small bowl, combine the grated cheese with the dried oregano. The oregano adds a burst of flavor and pairs perfectly with the melted cheese in the flatbread. You can adjust the amount of oregano based on your personal preference for herbiness.
Step 3: Assemble the Flatbreads
- Divide the dough: After resting, divide the dough into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on how large you want your flatbreads to be. Typically, 8 portions will give you medium-sized flatbreads.
- Shape the dough: Roll each portion of dough into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten it into a circle. Aim for a thickness of about ½ cm.
- Add the stuffing: Place a portion of the cheese and oregano mixture in the center of each dough circle. Be sure to leave some space at the edges to seal the flatbread properly.
- Seal the dough: Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside. You can use a little water on the edges to help seal them better.
Step 4: Cook the Flatbreads
- Heat the oil: Pour some oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan so the flatbreads can fry evenly.
- Fry the flatbreads: Place the stuffed flatbreads in the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to flip them carefully to avoid the filling spilling out.
- Drain excess oil: Once fried, remove the flatbreads from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a salad: Serve the hot cheese and oregano stuffed flatbreads alongside a fresh green salad for a light, well-balanced meal.
- Dipping sauces: These flatbreads are perfect with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, marinara, or even a yogurt-based dip.
- Serve with soups: They make a great accompaniment to a bowl of soup, especially creamy soups like tomato basil or lentil soup.
- Enjoy on their own: If you’re in the mood for a quick snack, these stuffed flatbreads can be enjoyed on their own, hot and crispy straight from the pan.
Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips
- Kneading the dough: Ensure you knead the dough thoroughly for about 10 minutes. This step is essential for getting a soft and chewy texture.
- Cheese choice: While mozzarella is a classic choice for stuffed flatbreads, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Cheddar, feta, or even a combination of cheeses will work well.
- Adjust oregano: You can adjust the amount of oregano based on how much of an herb flavor you want in your flatbread. If you love oregano, feel free to add a little more!
- Frying temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the flatbreads. If the oil is too cool, the flatbreads will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Leftover flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a pan for the best texture.
- Freezing: These flatbreads freeze well. Once cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw and fry in a pan for a crispy finish.
Nutritional Benefits
- Carbohydrates: The flatbread provides a good source of carbohydrates from the flour.
- Cheese: The cheese adds a significant amount of protein and calcium to the dish, contributing to stronger bones and muscles.
- Oregano: Oregano is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a beneficial addition to your meal.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as it uses cheese as the main filling. Ensure the cheese is suitable for vegetarians.
- Vegan option: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are many plant-based cheeses available that melt just like dairy cheese.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the stuffing?
Yes! You can experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, feta, Gouda, or even a mix of cheeses will work well. Just make sure the cheese melts well, as this is key to the dish’s texture and flavor.
2. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
3. What’s the best way to store leftover flatbreads?
Leftover flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan or oven for the best results.
4. Can I make these flatbreads gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these flatbreads gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free flour packaging for the best results.
5. What other herbs can I use instead of oregano?
If you’re not a fan of oregano, you can substitute it with basil, thyme, or rosemary. Fresh herbs will give the flatbreads a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment!
Conclusion
Cheese and Oregano Stuffed Flatbread is an easy, delicious recipe that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With its soft, chewy dough and flavorful cheese filling, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a light lunch, or a side dish for dinner, these stuffed flatbreads are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the process of making these delightful treats and share them with your friends and family for a meal they’ll love!