Soft Butter-Brushed Flatbread is a timeless, versatile staple found across many cultures, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Known for its golden-brown surface, pliable texture, and rich aroma, this flatbread is cooked on a hot griddle and finished with a generous brush of melted butter or ghee. It’s perfect for scooping up curries, wrapping grilled meats, or enjoying with a simple spread of yogurt or chutney.
This flatbread is made from a simple dough of flour, water, and fat, kneaded until smooth and rested to allow gluten development. The result is a dough that rolls out easily and cooks evenly, forming characteristic brown spots and puffed layers. The butter brushed on top adds flavor and softness, making each bite tender and satisfying.
Whether served fresh off the pan or reheated later, this flatbread remains soft and flexible. It’s ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be customized with herbs, spices, or fillings. The process is straightforward, making it accessible for beginners and rewarding for seasoned cooks.
INGREDIENTS:
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a heartier version)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for softness and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted ghee (neutral oil or mustard oil)
- 1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
For cooking and finishing:
- Extra flour for rolling
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or ghee (for brushing)
- Optional: chopped herbs, garlic paste, or sesame seeds for garnish
INSTRUCTION:
Step 1: Make the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Mix well.
- Add yogurt and oil. Rub into the flour using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add warm water, mixing with your hand or a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a clean surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30–45 minutes. This allows gluten to relax and makes rolling easier.
Step 2: Divide and shape
- After resting, knead the dough briefly again.
- Divide into 10–12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Cover the balls with a cloth to prevent drying while you work.
Step 3: Roll the flatbreads
- Lightly flour your rolling surface.
- Take one dough ball and flatten slightly.
- Roll into a circle about 6–7 inches in diameter. Keep the thickness even—about 1/8 inch.
- Repeat with remaining dough balls, stacking rolled discs with parchment or cloth between them.
Step 4: Cook the flatbreads
- Heat a tawa, griddle, or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Place one rolled flatbread on the hot surface.
- Cook for 30–45 seconds until bubbles form and the underside has brown spots.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 30–45 seconds.
- Flip again and press gently with a spatula to encourage puffing.
- Remove and place on a plate. Immediately brush with melted butter or ghee.
- Cover with a clean cloth to keep warm and soft.
- Repeat with remaining flatbreads.
SERVINGS:
This recipe yields 10 to 12 medium-sized flatbreads, enough to serve 4 to 6 people depending on the meal and accompaniments. For larger gatherings, double the recipe and keep cooked flatbreads warm in a covered container.
NOTE:
Dough Tips
- Flour choice: All-purpose flour gives a soft texture; whole wheat adds nuttiness and fiber. A mix of both works well.
- Yogurt: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang. Can be replaced with milk or omitted for a simpler dough.
- Oil or ghee: Helps with pliability and flavor. Mustard oil adds a traditional touch but can be strong.
- Water temperature: Warm water helps activate gluten and makes kneading easier. Avoid hot water, which can cook the flour.
Rolling and Cooking
- Thickness: Keep uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Too thin may burn; too thick may remain doughy.
- Flouring: Use minimal flour to prevent dryness. Excess flour can burn on the pan.
- Puffing: Not all flatbreads puff fully—this depends on dough elasticity and pan heat. Even without puffing, they remain delicious.
- Pan heat: Maintain medium-high heat. Too low will dry out the bread; too high will burn it before cooking through.
- Butter brushing: Brush immediately after cooking while the bread is hot. This locks in moisture and adds shine.
Variations
- Herbed flatbread: Add chopped cilantro, mint, or fenugreek leaves to the dough.
- Garlic flatbread: Mix garlic paste into the dough or brush with garlic butter after cooking.
- Stuffed version: Roll out two discs, fill with mashed potatoes or paneer, seal edges, and cook as usual.
- Spiced dough: Add cumin seeds, ajwain, or chili flakes to the flour for extra flavor.
- Crispy version: Cook longer and brush with less butter for a firmer texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep cooked flatbreads in a covered container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Refrigerate for longer storage.
- Reheating: Warm on a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 10–15 seconds.
- Freezing: Stack cooled flatbreads with parchment between them, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With curries: Ideal for scooping up lentils, vegetables, or meat dishes.
- As wraps: Use for kebabs, grilled vegetables, or sandwich fillings.
- With dips: Serve with hummus, yogurt, or chutneys.
- For breakfast: Pair with eggs, cheese, or honey.
- As a snack: Toast lightly and serve with tea or soup.
Practical Tips
- Batch cooking: Cook multiple flatbreads and keep warm in a cloth-lined container.
- Moisture control: If dough feels dry, add a teaspoon of water. If sticky, dust with flour.
- Resting time: Longer resting improves texture. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Butter choice: Use salted butter for flavor or ghee for authenticity.
- Presentation: Stack neatly and brush with butter for a glossy finish. Garnish with herbs or seeds if desired.
Mindful Cooking
- Sensory cues: Watch for bubbling, browning, and aroma to guide cooking.
- Relaxation: Rolling and cooking flatbreads can be meditative—enjoy the rhythm and warmth.
- Sharing joy: Flatbreads are perfect for communal meals—serve with love and generosity.
- Creative expression: Customize ingredients and shapes to reflect your style.
- Seasonal twist: Add pumpkin puree or spinach for color and nutrition.
- Cultural connection: Flatbreads are a bridge across cuisines—celebrate their heritage and versatility.