Ingredients
Flatbread Dough
- 300g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
- 1 tbsp natural yogurt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 175ml warm water
Toppings
- 2 red-skinned pears, cored and cut into thin wedges
- 15 walnuts, roughly broken
- 150g gorgonzola dolce, without rind, diced
To Serve (optional)
- Fig jam or chutney
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the strong bread flour, caster sugar, sea salt flakes, and dried yeast. In a separate bowl, mix the natural yogurt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 175ml of warm water. Gradually mix this wet mixture into the flour blend to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy. Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading to keep the dough soft.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare oven and shape dough: Preheat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C) / gas mark 6. Once the dough has risen, tip it onto a work surface and press/roll it out to form a rough rectangle approximately 25cm by 35cm. Transfer it to a large baking sheet.
- Add toppings and bake: Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil. Evenly push in the pear wedges and walnut halves all over the dough. Dot the top with diced gorgonzola. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the flatbread is puffed up and golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove the flatbread from the oven, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and serve warm. Optionally accompany with fig jam or chutney for an added touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Do not add too much extra flour when kneading, as it can toughen the dough.
- The pears should be thinly sliced wedges to ensure even cooking and blending with the walnuts and cheese.
- You can substitute gorgonzola dolce with other creamy blue cheeses if preferred.
- Fig jam or chutney enhances the sweet-savory contrast but is optional.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve a nicely puffed and golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian