Yogurt Flatbreads with Fava and Mint Pesto
easy flatbreads just in time for spring
I came across this simple flatbread recipe from Bon Appetit years ago now. The title is what caught my eye, 'A Flatbread Recipe for People Who Think They Can't Bake.' Sounded to me like I couldn't mess it up and it would be easy enough to make for a crowd.
I’ve also had pretty good luck with this easy vegan version and a gluten-free version of the flatbreads. Once you make them once, you’ll get the hang of it and see how simple and forgiving the dough is to make.
Since my garden is still in winter mode, I was lucky enough to grab some fava shoots from my friend Anna of Earthling Farm. She grows the most spectacular veggies and herbs just a stone’s throw from the ocean.
Oftentimes used as a cover crop, fresh fava bean tips, and pea shoots are a real treat this time of year. If you don't have these handy, feel free to grab some young dandelion greens, chickweed, miners lettuce, or any tender greens sprouting up instead. The addition of mint to the pesto adds a burst of freshness perfect for flatbreads, roasted veggies, or enjoying as a dip throughout the week.
This recipe might seem long since its a two-parter, but I offer you some words of encouragement: If I can make these on a weeknight, I'm certain you can too.
Recently, I did a little variation of these and added turmeric powder to the flour for a golden hue. The options are endless with this one, so get creative with all the first offerings of spring and enjoy these yogurt flatbreads al fresco on a warm evening.
Yogurt Flatbreads
Ingredients
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour or sprouted flour, plus more for surface
2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more
1 cup whole fat plain yogurt, plus more if needed
4 tablespoons ghee
Olive oil for drizzling
Sea salt + fresh cracked pepper
Whisk baking powder, sugar, 2 cups flour, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a large mixing bowl.
Add yogurt and stir to combine with a fork (the yogurt’s acidity ensures a tender texture). Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead until mostly smooth, about 1 minute.
Divide into 4 pieces, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rest 15 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll.
Working one at a time, roll out each piece of dough into a round, about ⅛" thick.
Warm 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Working one at a time, cook each disk of dough until underside is golden brown and the flatbread is beginning to puff, about 2 minutes.
Flip and cook until another side is golden brown, about 1 minute longer; transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and rounds of dough. Let cool slightly.
Fava and Mint Pesto
Ingredients
1 handful fresh fava bean tips
1 handful fresh mint leaves
1 handful walnuts or seeds of choice
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
A glug or two of organic olive oil
1/2 lemon
While the dough is resting make the pesto by adding the walnuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor then pulse until the mixture is crumbly.
Next, add in the fava tips and mint leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, then drizzle a glug of olive oil on top. Pulse again until you get a creamy consistency. You might have to scrape down the sides of the food processor or add more olive oil to get the texture you want.
Taste to see if it needs more salt, lemon, or oil. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week or use it up on the flatbreads immediately.
Topping ideas
To assemble the flatbreads, spread on a good layer of pesto, top with a few dollops of soft goat cheese, seared pea shoots, or greens. These are also really yummy with melted onions, ricotta cheese, and pesto. The sky is the limit when it comes to toppings. You've got all spring and summer long to come up with your favorites!
Enjoy! xx - Sarah Kate
P.S. I’m hosting a FREE webinar—Healing Herbal Foods for Spring on Friday, March 25th | 12 pm - 1 pm PST. During the webinar, you'll learn how to use herbal energetics of springtime, curate a seasonal pantry, and make a Spring Greens Dipping Sauce—perfect for adding tons of flavor to your favorite meals. Sign up below to receive all of the webinar details and head into spring feeling renewed and inspired.