master-cooks | The Underrated Italian Flatbread That Is Deliciously Simple To Make

This delightful Italian flatbread, known as piadina, is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that hails from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Often overlooked in favor of its more famous counterparts like pizza and focaccia, piadina is a culinary gem that deserves more attention. Made from a basic dough of flour, water, lard or olive oil, and a pinch of salt, piadina is traditionally cooked on a hot griddle or flat pan until it develops a light, crispy exterior with a soft, chewy inside. The beauty of piadina lies in its versatility. Once cooked, it can be filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, from classic combinations like prosciutto, arugula, and cheese to more modern interpretations involving grilled vegetables or even sweet spreads. The flatbread's subtle flavor profile acts as the perfect canvas for both savory and sweet fillings, making it a favorite for all palates. Piadina is not only a testament to the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine but also a quick and satisfying meal option. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a light lunch, or a dinner accompaniment, this underrated flatbread offers a taste of Italian tradition that is both accessible and deeply satisfying.

When a piadina makes the most sense

Making piadina at home is quite simple, as it requires just water, flour, olive oil or lard, salt, and baking soda. The great thing about piadina is that it doesn’t need any yeast; instead, a small amount of baking soda provides the leavening. After combining the ingredients and kneading them into a dough, it's important to let the dough rest for a few minutes to allow the gluten to relax before shaping.

Once your dough has rested perfectly, you can roll it into balls, flatten them to your desired thickness, and cook them on a skillet—similar to making tortillas. Other flatbreads, like focaccia, also benefit from being cooked in a cast iron skillet, and the same goes for piadina. This bread is best served hot, ensuring each bite is warm, soft, and slightly savory.

While piadina isn’t traditionally used for pizza, you can create a thicker version for a personal pizza, much like some people do with other fluffy flatbreads. Piadine are ideal for small sandwiches and wraps, but for a unique twist, you can enjoy them on their own or with a dip. Keep it simple by pairing them with Trader Joe's garlic spread or a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The Underrated Italian Flatbread That Is Deliciously Simple To Make

When a piadina makes the most sense

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