Vegetable-Stuffed Pan-Fried Flatbreads

Vegetable-Stuffed Pan-Fried Flatbreads are a delicious and savory dish where soft flatbread is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and then pan-fried to crispy perfection. These flatbreads are perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer. You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, making this a versatile and healthy dish.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral oil)

For the Vegetable Filling:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (or any leafy green like kale or chard)
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup mashed potatoes (optional for added texture)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)
• 1 small zucchini, grated or finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the vegetables)
• Fresh herbs (like cilantro or parsley), chopped (optional)

For Pan-Frying:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a few drops of water.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the Greens and Spices: Stir in the grated carrots, spinach (or other leafy greens), and the spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the greens are wilted and everything is well-mixed.
3. Optional Additions: If using mashed potatoes, stir them into the vegetable mixture to bind everything together. This step is optional but adds a nice creamy texture to the filling.
4. Cool the Filling: Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the flatbreads. You can also stir in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Flatbreads

1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has rested, punch it down and divide it into 6-8 equal portions, depending on how large you want your flatbreads.
2. Roll the Dough: Roll each dough portion into a small ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a flat circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Be careful not to roll too thin.
3. Stuff the Flatbreads: Place a generous spoonful of the vegetable filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a pouch, pinching the edges together to seal it.
4. Flatten the Filled Dough: Gently roll out the stuffed dough ball into a flatbread again, being cautious not to let the filling spill out.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Flatbreads

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee.
2. Cook the Flatbreads: Place one of the stuffed flatbreads into the hot pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Press gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly and puff up slightly.
3. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining flatbreads, adding more oil or ghee as needed for each batch.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Serve the vegetable-stuffed flatbreads hot, with yogurt, chutney, or a simple salad on the side. They can be eaten on their own or as part of a larger meal.

Tips:

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, corn, or sweet potatoes. You can also add cheese or cooked lentils for extra richness.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dough can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and cook.
• For Crispy Flatbreads: If you like your flatbreads extra crispy, add a little more oil or ghee to the pan while cooking.

These Vegetable-Stuffed Pan-Fried Flatbreads are a flavorful, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while indulging in a comforting, crispy treat!