Chickpea Flat Bread Recipe + the Importance of Fiber

Fiber is essential to the diet.

Store-bought, healthy, gluten-free/yeast-free bread options are practically non-existent. And when you do find a great brand, it can be quite expensive. What’s the work around? Making your own, from scratch. This requires embracing the joys of cooking, as well as carving out time for your health. It may seem daunting, but with all the simple and delicious recipes available to us, it doesn’t have to be. In this post, I share a quick, simple and delicious recipe for chickpea flatbread that only requires 6 ingredients and very little time, money and effort.

The Importance of Fiber (Soluble vs. Insoluble)

Fiber is essential to the diet and there are two different kinds…soluble and insoluble. Both kinds of fiber are important to the body, but they have two very different functions. Soluble fiber breaks down in water and gastro fluids when it enters the digestive system. It is then turned into a gel-like substance, which feeds the gut bacteria in the large intestine. Because soluble fiber feeds healthy bacteria in the gut (the large intestine), this means fiber aides in the proliferation of healthy gut bacteria, which ultimately supports a diversified microbiota. Insoluble fiber on the other hand, doesn’t get broken down at all. It literally adheres to byproducts of digestion (the trash) and puts it out; insoluble fiber acts as a cleaning mechanism for the digestive track. These fibers simply sweep and clean the digestive system and colon, so we can all have healthy bowel movements. Fiber in general helps to detox and excrete excess hormones in the body properly because it helps to move the bowels. So, if you have symptoms of constipation, estrogen dominance or gut issues…get more fibrous foods in the diet. And guess what? Fiber comes from fruits, veggies, legumes and beans, which transitions us nicely into our recipe…Chickpea Flatbread!

Chickpea Flatbread Recipe

Below is my favorite chickpea flour flatbread recipe that literally only takes minutes to make. These delicious flatbreads are gluten-free, yeast-free, packed with fiber and high in plant-protein. Not only extremely filling, but these breads are also fun to entertain with because you end up feeling like a professional bread maker! Say “good-bye” to store bought, yeast containing, GF breads that contain harmful oils like canola, and instead say “hello” to homemade flatbread that consists of heart-healthy, extra virgin olive oil. I love to make these for savory meals, but the sky is the limit to how you use them…wraps, pizza crust, paired with Indian dishes or like the French (Socca bread)…with chilled organic rose and extra olive oil for dipping.

Ingredients:
– 1 c. Chickpea flour
– 1 c. Filtered water
– 1.5 tbs EVOO
– 1 tbs. Italian Herbs
– 1/2 tsp sea salt. 

Directions: 

1. Whisk ingredients together and let sit for 1/2 hour.
2. Meanwhile, turn broiler oven on high…at twenty-five minutes place cast iron skillet in oven and heat for 5 minutes
3. Then remove and place 1 tbs olive oil on hot pan (be careful) and pour half your batter onto hot flat pan, gently move pan around to create circular flat bread.
4. Place under broiler for about 3-5 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Viola! Healthy Flatbread! 

In divine health,

Kristin 

P.S. Get GF, Yeast-Free bread delivered to your home from Bread SRSLY here and a recipe for homemade Sourdough starter here. 

Resources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319176.php