Roman-style Stuffed Flatbread

Ingredients

In the original Egyptian dish, Matazeez, the flatbread is typically filled with a mixture of ground meat, onions, and spices. However, in this Roman-inspired adaptation, we have incorporated a wider variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs to enhance the flavors and create a more vibrant and diverse stuffing. Additionally, the cooking techniques and seasonings have been adjusted to align with the traditional flavors of Roman cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Matazeez, so you can check it out.

• For the flatbread: For the flatbread:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried yeast 1 teaspoon dried yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (235ml) warm water 1 cup (235ml) warm water
• For the stuffing: For the stuffing:
• 250g ground beef 250g ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small zucchini, diced 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small carrot, grated 1 small carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the flatbread. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix well until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. 3.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the diced zucchini, red bell pepper, grated carrot, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Set the stuffing aside to cool.
7. 7.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle.
8. 8.
   Spoon a generous amount of the stuffing onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the circle over the stuffing and press the edges firmly to seal.
9. 9.
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each stuffed flatbread for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
10. 10.
    Serve the Roman-style Stuffed Flatbread warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Ensure the ground beef is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
• Zucchini — Remove excess moisture from the diced zucchini by patting it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the stuffing mixture.
• Fresh parsley — For the best flavor, use fresh parsley rather than dried. Chop it finely to evenly distribute the herb throughout the stuffing.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture.
• Experiment with different vegetables in the stuffing, such as eggplant or mushrooms, to add variety to the dish.
• Serve the Roman-style Stuffed Flatbread with a side of marinara sauce or tzatziki for dipping.
• Leftover flatbreads can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet before serving.
• Customize the seasoning of the stuffing according to your taste preferences by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Serving advice

Serve the Roman-style Stuffed Flatbread as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, place the stuffed flatbreads on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve them warm to showcase their golden-brown color and enticing aroma.