Mix Dry Ingredients: Start by combining all the dry ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. If using optional spices, sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk or stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the turmeric and spices, which will give the flatbread its vibrant color and balanced flavor.
2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Create a small well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in ⅓ cup of water along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Begin mixing with a spoon or spatula, gradually bringing the flour into the liquid. The dough should start coming together into a slightly sticky but workable ball. This step allows the flour to hydrate evenly and the olive oil to coat the flour, resulting in tender, soft flatbreads.
3: Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using the heels of your hands, knead the dough for 1 to 2 minutes. Press, fold, and push the dough repeatedly until it becomes smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten network, giving the flatbreads structure while keeping them soft. Avoid over-flouring the surface to prevent the dough from becoming dry.
4: Rest the Dough: Once kneaded, cover the dough loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature. This resting period relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to shape and helping the flatbreads cook evenly with a soft texture.
5: Divide and Shape: After resting, cut the dough into four equal portions using a knife or dough cutter. Take one portion at a time and flatten it into a round shape, approximately 6 inches in diameter. You can use a rolling pin or simply use your hands, pressing gently from the center outward. Try to keep the thickness consistent to ensure even cooking.
6: Preheat the Skillet: Heat a skillet or nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the surface with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. A properly heated skillet is essential for achieving the perfect golden-brown spots and a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft.
7: Cook the Flatbread: Place one flattened dough round into the hot skillet. Cook for about 1–2 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown spots form. Flip carefully using a spatula and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes. The flatbread should be soft, lightly puffed, and evenly cooked. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces, adding a small amount of oil to the skillet as needed.
8: Serve Warm: Transfer the cooked flatbreads to a plate and cover lightly with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and soft until serving. These flatbreads are best enjoyed immediately, either on their own, as a wrap, or served alongside dips, curries, or salads. The vibrant turmeric color and subtle spice blend make them both visually appealing and flavorful.
9: Optional Flavor Enhancements: For added depth, sprinkle additional spices like cumin or garlic powder on the flatbreads just before cooking, or brush lightly with olive oil after cooking. You can also serve them with a side of hummus, avocado, or vegan butter for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
Use fresh, good-quality turmeric for vibrant color and flavor.
Knead the dough briefly; over-kneading can make flatbreads tough.
Resting the dough is essential to relax gluten and improve pliability.
Cook flatbreads over medium-high heat to achieve golden brown spots without burning.
Add optional spices like cumin or garlic powder for a flavor boost.
Flatbreads are best served warm; reheat gently if stored.
You can double or triple the recipe for meal prep or larger gatherings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain softness.