Flatbreads with kaymak are a simple yet delightful dish that combines the fluffiness of freshly baked flatbreads with the rich, creamy texture of kaymak. This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or as an appetizer to serve with other meals. The combination of soft, warm bread and smooth, velvety kaymak is simply irresistible. While the preparation may seem straightforward, the result is a dish full of flavor that will satisfy anyone who tries it.
Ingredients for the Flatbreads:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 7 g dry yeast (1 packet)
- 300 ml warm water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Ingredients for the Kaymak:
- 250 g kaymak (if unavailable, you can substitute it with thick cream or clotted cream)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or melted butter
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions for the Flatbreads:
1. Prepare the Dough: The first step in making these delicious flatbreads is preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. In a separate small bowl, mix the warm water and dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Form the Dough: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the dry ingredients along with the olive oil. Mix the ingredients together until a smooth, soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. The dough should be soft and elastic, not too firm. Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for a few more minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Once you have kneaded the dough, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This resting period allows the yeast to work, making the dough light and airy.
4. Shape the Flatbreads: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto the work surface. Knead the dough for a few more minutes to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions, depending on the size of the flatbreads you prefer. Roll each portion into a ball and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. Once rested, use a rolling pin to flatten each ball into a round shape, about 1 cm thick.
5. Cook the Flatbreads: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a small amount of oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, place the first flatbread in the pan and cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it becomes golden brown and slightly puffed up. Flip the flatbread and cook the other side until golden. Repeat the process for the remaining flatbreads. After cooking, place the flatbreads on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Preparing the Kaymak:
Kaymak is a rich, creamy dairy product often used as a topping or side dish. It has a texture similar to clotted cream, but slightly lighter. If kaymak is not available, you can use thick cream or clotted cream as a substitute, although kaymak provides a smoother and more velvety texture. In this recipe, kaymak is served as a creamy topping for the soft flatbreads, complementing their texture perfectly.
1. Prepare the Kaymak: If you’re using homemade kaymak, simply stir it well to make it smoother and more spreadable. If you are using store-bought kaymak or thick cream, you may want to slightly whisk it to make it lighter. For an extra rich flavor, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil or melted butter to the kaymak. This will give the kaymak a silky texture and a slight richness, enhancing its natural flavor. Add a pinch of salt if desired, though kaymak is typically quite creamy and flavorful on its own.
2. Serve the Flatbreads with Kaymak: Once the flatbreads are cooked and slightly cooled, serve them on a large platter. You can cut the flatbreads into wedges or serve them whole, depending on your preference. Spread a generous amount of kaymak on top of each piece of flatbread. The combination of the soft, warm flatbread with the rich, creamy kaymak creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. If you want to add an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a little honey or olive oil over the top, or even sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for an aromatic twist.
Tips for the Perfect Flatbreads with Kaymak:
- Dough Texture: When preparing the dough, be careful not to add too much flour. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet. If you find that it’s too sticky to handle, dust your hands with flour rather than adding too much flour to the dough itself.
- Resting Time: Letting the dough rise is essential for achieving light and fluffy flatbreads. Make sure to give it enough time to double in size, which typically takes about an hour, depending on the ambient temperature.
- Heat Level: When cooking the flatbreads, make sure your pan is preheated to medium heat. If the pan is too hot, the flatbreads may burn on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. On the other hand, if the pan is too cool, they may not cook properly, becoming tough and dry.
- Variations of Kaymak: If you want to experiment with different flavors, try adding a bit of fresh garlic or lemon zest to the kaymak. You can also try mixing in a bit of whipped cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
- Serving Suggestions: These flatbreads with kaymak can be served with a variety of dishes. They make a perfect accompaniment to soups, grilled vegetables, or even as a side dish to meat dishes. Alternatively, you can enjoy them as a light snack or breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee.
Conclusion:
Flatbreads with kaymak are a simple yet indulgent dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The soft, warm bread paired with the rich, velvety kaymak creates a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you serve them as a side dish to a main meal or as a stand-alone treat, they are sure to please everyone at the table. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this recipe is one that anyone can make at home. Enjoy this delicious and comforting combination of soft flatbreads and creamy kaymak!
