Guinness Sriracha mushroom flat bread

It’s pizza without the sauce. And we all know the unhealthiest part of a pizza is the tomato sauce.

The warm savory mushrooms are wonderfully contrasted by the sweet freshness of the tomatoes and spicy snap of the onions


Flatbreads
 are a versatile and popular type of Bread.that have been enjoyed by cultures around the world for centuries. There are several reasons why flatbreads are considered great:

  • Simplicity: Flatbreads are typically made with just a few basic ingredients, such as flourwatersalt, and sometimes yeast or other leavening agents. This simplicity allows for easy and quick preparation, making them a convenient choice for meals.
  • Versatility: Flatbreads can be used in a variety of ways. They can be served as a Side Dish, used as a base for sandwiches or wraps, or even topped with various ingredients to create a pizza-like dish. This versatility allows for endless culinary creativity.
  • Texture: Flatbreads have a unique texture that sets them apart from other bread types. They are typically thinner and more flexible than traditional loaf breads, making them ideal for folding, rolling, or tearing. The texture can range from soft and chewy to crispy and flaky, depending on the recipe and cooking method.
  • Customization: Flatbreads can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences. They can be flavored with herbs, spices, or other ingredients to enhance their taste. Additionally, various types of flour, such as wheat, corn, or rice, can be used to create different textures and flavors.
  • Cultural Significance: Flatbreads have a rich cultural heritage and are an integral part of many cuisines worldwide. Examples include naan in Indian cuisine, pita in Middle Eastern cuisine, tortillas in Mexican cuisine, and lavash in Armenian cuisine. Exploring these traditional flatbreads can provide a window into the culinary traditions and cultural diversity of different regions.
  • Health Benefits: Flatbreads are often considered a healthier alternative to traditional bread because they tend to be lower in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. They can be made with whole grains, which provide more fiber and nutrients compared to refined flour. Flatbreads also offer portion control, as their size is typically smaller than that of regular loaves.

Overall, the appeal of flatbreads lies in their simplicity, versatility, texture, and cultural significance. Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy meal or an opportunity to explore different flavors, flatbreads are a fantastic choice.

What to serve with flatbread

Flatbreads are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide range of accompaniments to create delicious and satisfying meals. Here are some popular options:

  • Dips and Spreads: Flatbreads pair well with various dips and spreads. hummus, tzatziki, baba ganoush, or a simple olive oil and herb dip are great choices. You can also try creamy dips like spinach and artichoke dip or roasted red pepper dip.
  • Cheese and Charcuterie: Create a Mediterranean-inspired platter with flatbread by serving it alongside a selection of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and pickles. The combination of flavors and textures makes for a delightful Appetizer or light meal.
  • Soups and Stews: Use flatbread to scoop up and soak up the delicious flavors of soups and stews. Whether it’s a hearty lentil soup, a comforting chicken noodle Soup, or a Spicy curry, tearing pieces of flatbread and dipping them into the warm broth adds a satisfying element to the meal.
  • Salads: Flatbreads can be a great addition to salads, either as a side or as a base for creating wraps or tacos. For example, you can fill flatbread with fresh vegetables, grilled chicken or shrimp, and a flavorful dressing to create a delicious salad wrap.
  • Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Flatbreads are perfect for wrapping around grilled meats or vegetables. Grilled chicken, beeflamb, or kebabs can be wrapped in flatbread with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce for a tasty handheld meal.
  • Curries and Dishes with Sauces: Flatbreads are an excellent accompaniment to saucy dishes like curries, stews, or braised meats. The bread can be used to scoop up the flavorful Sauce and add a textural contrast to the dish.

Breakfast or Brunch: Flatbreads can be a versatile option for breakfast or brunch. You can make flatbread sandwiches with eggscheese, and your choice of fillings. Alternatively, you can serve flatbreads alongside spreads like jam, honey, or Nutella for a sweet start to the day.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving flatbread. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements.

The difference between flatbread and pizza

Flatbread and pizza share some similarities but also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Here are some key differences between the two:

  • Dough: The dough used for flatbread is typically simpler, made with basic ingredients like flour, water, salt, and sometimes yeast. It is rolled out into a thin, flat shape. pizza dough, on the other hand, is typically made with additional ingredients like olive oil and sugar, and it is often allowed to rise for a longer period to create a chewier texture.
  • Toppings: While both flatbread and pizza can be topped with various ingredients, there are differences in the typical toppings used. Flatbread toppings are generally lighter and simpler, often featuring a few ingredients like herbs, cheese, vegetables, or a light sauce. Pizza, on the other hand, typically includes a wider range of toppings, including meats, more complex sauces, cheeses, and various vegetables.
  • Cooking Method: Flatbread is often cooked quickly at high heat, either on a griddle, in a skillet, or directly on a grill. This results in a slightly crispy texture. Pizza, on the other hand, is typically baked in an oven at a high temperature, allowing the dough to rise and the cheese and toppings to melt and meld together.
  • Size and Shape: Flatbreads are generally thinner and come in various shapes, such as round, oval, or rectangular. They can be smaller or larger, depending on the intended use. Pizza, on the other hand, is typically round and larger in size, often meant to be shared among several people.
  • Culinary Tradition: Flatbreads have a long history and are found in various culinary traditions worldwide. They are a staple in Middle Eastern, Indian, Mediterranean, and Central Asian cuisines, among others. Pizza, on the other hand, has its roots in Italian cuisine, particularly Neapolitan pizza, and has become popular globally.

Ultimately, the distinction between flatbread and pizza lies in the dough, toppings, cooking method, size, and cultural context. Flatbread tends to have a simpler, lighter approach, while pizza offers a wider range of flavors and textures. Both are delicious in their own right and offer unique culinary experiences.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Canadian
Servings: 4 flatbreads
Calories: 841kcal

Ingredients

The Mushrooms

  • 1 lb cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 1 bunch green onion whites only, sliced

The Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Guinness or another stout
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp chinese cooking wine or sherry
  • 3 tsp sriracha
  • 1/2 tsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic crushed
  • vegetable oil for frying

The Flatbread

  • 650 g pizza dough divided into 4
  • 4 cups mozzarella shredded
  • 32-40 cherry tomato halved
  • 1/2 medium red onion sliced thin
  • 4 cups arugula

Instructions

The Mushrooms

  • whisk together sauce ingredients
  • Heat oil in a large pan on medium-high heat til oil sizzling
  • Add mushrooms and saute til dark brown and a good fond starts to form, 5 minutes
  • Add the onion whites and continue to stir fry for a couple more minutes
  • Add sauce to pan, scraping up fond. Bring to a strong simmer then reduce heat to slow simmer until liquid is heavily reduced and thickened, about 30 minutes

The Flatbread

  • Preheat oven to 450F, ideally with a pizza or bread stone
  • roll out the pizza dough into 3 ovals around 5" x 12"
  • Top each with 1/2 cup the cheese, then a third of the mushrooms, tomatoes and onions, then another 1/2 cup half of the cheese
  • bake in a pan or on a stone until crust is desired doneness, about 12 minutes
  • slice each with a knife into about 6 triangles
  • serve garnished with arugula

Nutrition

Calories: 841kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 2375mg | Potassium: 1031mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 2025IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 649mg | Iron: 7mg