Cuban-style Tomato and Onion Flatbread

Ingredients

In this Cuban adaptation of Ladenia, we incorporate the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine by using traditional Cuban spices like cumin and oregano. Additionally, we sauté the onions and tomatoes together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The Cuban-style tomato and onion flatbread is a fusion of Greek and Cuban cuisines, combining the best of both worlds. We alse have the original recipe for Ladenia, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast 1 teaspoon (5g) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 46g, 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften. Sprinkle the cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the tomatoes and onions, and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Using your hands, press the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. 6.
   Spread the tomato and onion mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and slice into squares or wedges. Serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead.
• Onions — Slicing the onions thinly ensures they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then grind.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or omit it altogether.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato and onion mixture.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the dough with olive oil before adding the toppings.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced bell peppers, olives, or even shredded cheese for a twist on the traditional recipe.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Serving advice

This Cuban-style tomato and onion flatbread is delicious on its own as a light meal or snack. It can also be served as an appetizer or alongside a salad for a more substantial meal. Pair it with a refreshing mojito or a glass of tropical fruit juice for a complete Cuban culinary experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the flatbread with a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a colorful plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and onions.