Palatine-style Crispy Bread

Ingredients

In the Palatine-style crispy bread, we incorporate Palatine culinary techniques and flavors to adapt the traditional Greek kritiko paximadi. The original dish is known for its simplicity, while the Palatine version adds a touch of complexity with the use of aromatic spices and herbs. Additionally, the baking process is modified to achieve a golden and crispy texture on the outside, while maintaining a soft and chewy interior. We alse have the original recipe for Kritiko paximadi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp garlic powder

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. 3.
   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
4. 4.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
8. 8.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into small portions.
9. 9.
   Roll each portion into a thin oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
10. 10.
    Place the dough ovals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. 11.
    Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread turns golden and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for a more pronounced Palatine flavor.
• Ground cumin — Toast the cumin seeds before grinding them for a richer aroma.
• Dried oregano — Crush the dried oregano between your palms to release its essential oils.
• Paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to add a smoky undertone to the bread.
• Garlic powder — For a stronger garlic flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of powder.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different spice combinations to customize the flavor profile.
• Brush the bread with olive oil and sprinkle some sea salt before baking for added flavor.
• Serve the crispy bread with a variety of dips such as hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.
• To reheat the bread, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the Palatine-style crispy bread as an appetizer or alongside a Palatine-inspired main course. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with spreads, dips, or even cheese.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Palatine-style crispy bread on a wooden platter or rustic serving tray. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color. Serve it alongside small bowls of dips and spreads to create an inviting and visually appealing presentation.