Soft Whole Wheat Flatbread – with Yeast

Try this fool-proof recipe for a healthy soft 100% whole wheat flatbread. This yeast dough with yogurt makes very soft and fluffy flatbreads.

Are you still hanging around for Day 5 of the Flatbread week? This time it has to be a healthy,  100 % Whole Wheat flatbread! Check out the introduction post for more details on the Flavors recipe series. 

Whole wheat bread can be challenging to make. But I promise you this recipe will give you the confidence to make a soft, fluffy, and healthy homemade bread, which will never make you go back for store-bought ones. 

If you have been following me for a while, you will know we as a family love flatbread. Since flatbreads frequently show up on our menu for the week, I always have a stash of Naan, Chapati, Coconut Roti, Tortillas, and this soft whole wheat flatbread in my freezer.

Soft Whole Wheat Flatbread 

I had to test this recipe many times to get perfectly soft and fluffy 100% whole wheat flatbread. The key to whole wheat bread is proper hydration. Whole wheat bread needs more water than all-purpose flour. The real trick is to mix the ingredients until you get a slightly sticky dough. I know what you are thinking, sticky dough! No worries, trust me, this is not a very sticky dough that you cannot handle.
The water amounts may vary depending on the type of flour that you are using. I used 3/4 cup + 1 Tablespoons of water to reach the required consistency. You might need more or lesser amount of water depending on the flour.

Vegan alternatives for this soft whole wheat flatbread recipe:

This whole wheat flatbread recipe includes yogurt. For a vegan version, replace the yogurt with Vegan yogurt.

How to freeze flatbread:

To freeze whole wheat flatbread, you need to cool them completely, while they are covered. Once the bread is cooled, place them in a freezer zip lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to warm frozen flatbread:

Frozen flatbread can be warmed up on the griddle/skillet or in the oven. Heat the skillet on medium-low and reheat each bread for 3-4 minutes on each side.
If you prefer to warming them in the oven, pre-heat the oven to 200C. Place a few flatbreads on a sheet pan and warm it through for 4-5 minutes.

Soft Whole Wheat Flatbread – with Yeast

Recipe by Ruwani Ravin KumarCourse: Lunch, Dinner

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

1

hour 

25

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Try this fool-proof recipe for a healthy soft 100% whole wheat flatbread. This yeast dough with yogurt makes very soft and fluffy flatbreads.

Ingredients

• 500g/ 4 cups whole wheat flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast

• 1/2 Tablespoon honey

• 2 Tablespoon olive oil

• 180g / 3/4 cup natural yogurt

• 177ml /3/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon warm water

• some ghee or butter for brushing on top ( optional)

Directions

• In a large bowl, add flour, salt, and yeast and mix well. Next, add yogurt, honey, olive oil, and first gradually add the 3/4 cup of water to form a slightly sticky dough. If your bread dough didn’t reach the sticky stage, add the reserved Tablespoon of water. Depending on the flour that you are using, you might need more or less water.
• Next, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for 10 minutes.
• Put the bread dough into an oiled bowl and cover the bowl with cling wrap and leave it to proof somewhere warm for 1 hour or till it’s doubled in size.
• After the first rise, punch the dough down, Divide the dough into half. Next, roll each half into a log and divide each into 6 equal size pieces to make 12 flatbread. Shape each piece of dough into a ball and place all back in the bowl. Cover and let the dough balls rest for 10 minutes.
• To cook on the stovetop
• Heat a griddle pan on medium-high heat. Next, take one dough ball at a time and roll them thinly into 7-8 inches in diameter. ( about 1/4 inch of thickness)
• Place the flattened bread in the griddle pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until its fully cooked with golden brown spots.
• For slightly charred flatbread, place the fully cooked bread directly on the flame for a few seconds. Take it off the heat and brush some ghee or melted butter. Place it on a plate and cover it with a tea towel or in an insulated food container. Serve warm with your favorite curries or grilled meat and veggies.
• To baking in the oven
• Pre-heat the oven to 500F/260C. Meanwhile, roll the flatbread and place a few on a baking sheet and bake for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If you like it slightly charred, switch on the broiler/ top grill, and cook it for a few seconds. Take out from the oven, and if you prefer, brush some ghee or butter on top. Place it on a plate and cover it with a tea towel or in an insulated food container. Serve warm.