Yes, it’s possible to make bread with just flour and water. This is a recipe for unleavened bread, similar to matzo or roti. However, the bread won’t rise or have the fluffy texture typical of bread with yeast or other leavening agents.
Different Types of Breads you can make with Only Flour and Water
- Matzo
- Roti (Indian flatbread)
- Chapati
- Tortilla
- Hardtack
- Lavash
- Pita (unleavened version)
- Piadina
- Bannock
- Damper
Flour and Water Bread Recipes
Quick Flatbread (Indian Roti)
Ingredients
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour (also known as atta)
- Approximately 1 cup of water
Steps
- Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually add water while kneading until a smooth, soft dough forms. Be careful not to make it too sticky or too stiff.
- Let the dough rest for about 15-20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Flatten each ball using a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface until you get a thin, circular disk.
- Heat a flat pan (tawa) over medium heat.
- Cook the flattened dough on the pan until brown spots start to appear. Flip and cook the other side the same way.
- Once both sides are cooked, your roti is ready to serve.
Enjoy your homemade roti!
Flour Tortillas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 to 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the flour and slowly mix in the water in a large bowl.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth, elastic dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal portions around the size of a golf ball.
- Flatten each ball with a rolling pin until thin and round.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and cook each tortilla for about 1 minute on each side or until golden spots appear.
- Remove from heat and keep covered until serving.
Unleavened Pita Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Approximately 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Mix the flour with water in a large bowl until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Allow the dough to rest for around 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small, equal portions and roll each into a thin circle using a rolling pin.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook each pita bread for about 2 minutes on each side or until slightly brown.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container once cooled.
Tips to Make Bread using only Flour and Water
Flour Selection: Different flours will result in different tastes and textures. Whole wheat flour will give you denser, heartier bread, while all-purpose flour will yield lighter bread.
Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water for mixing the dough. It should be warm to the touch but not hot. Hot water can make the dough tough.
Kneading: Kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure. A well-kneaded dough should be smooth and elastic.
Resting Time: Let your dough rest before shaping and cooking. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.
Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet or pan is properly heated before cooking your bread. A too-low temperature might leave your bread undercooked, while a too-high temperature might burn it.
Dough Consistency: The dough should not be too sticky or too dry. If it’s too sticky, add more flour; if it’s too dry, add more water.
Shaping: Practice will make perfect when it comes to shaping your bread. Don’t get discouraged if your first few tries don’t result in perfectly round shapes.
Taste: Since this type of bread has no salt or sugar, it will be quite bland. Consider serving it with flavorful dishes or dips to compensate for this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ratio of mixing flour and water if only two ingredients are in the dough?
The ratio of flour to water when making dough is 2:1. For every two cups of flour; you add one cup. This ratio might vary slightly depending on the type of flour used and the desired dough consistency.
How to mix flour and bread to make dough?
Mixing flour and water involves gradually adding water to the flour while stirring or kneading. This process helps form gluten, giving the dough structure. The aim is to create a smooth, elastic dough that’s not too dry or sticky.
What does salt do when you add it to only dough made with only flour and water?
Salt enhances the flavor of the bread when added to dough made from only flour and water. It also strengthens the gluten structure, making the dough more elastic and the final product chewier.
Can I add sugar to dough made with only flour and water?
Yes, you can add sugar to dough with only flour and water. Sugar will sweeten the bread and create a browner crust when baked due to caramelization. However, adding sugar will slightly change the texture of the bread.
How many variations of Indian flatbread can I make?
There are many variations of Indian flatbread, including roti (chapati), naan, paratha, puri, bhature, kulcha, and many regional specialties. The variations often involve different ingredients or cooking methods.
What can I serve with Indian flatbread roti?
Indian flatbread or roti can be served with a variety of dishes. It’s commonly paired with curry, dal (lentil soup), sabzi (vegetable stir-fry), and pickles. It can also be used as a wrap for sandwiches.
What does yeast do in the dough?
Yeast is a leavening agent that ferments the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas gets trapped in the dough, causing it to rise and giving the bread a light, airy structure.
