Ep 3. Flat is Beautiful II

In this episode of Good Eats, titled "Flat is Beautiful II," host Alton Brown focuses on the versatile and delicious world of flatbreads. Brown explains that flatbreads are some of the oldest breads in the world and have played an important role in many cultures throughout history.

Brown starts with a simple recipe for pita bread, a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. He demonstrates the proper way to handle the dough, including a technique called "slapping and rolling" to stretch the dough into the proper shape. Brown also explains the importance of using a hot oven or a pizza stone to ensure that the pita bread puffs up into a pocket.

Next, Brown moves on to a Lebanese flatbread called man'oushe. This flatbread is covered in a mixture of za'atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend) and olive oil, then baked until crispy. Brown shows how to make your own za'atar blend and emphasizes the importance of using fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Brown then heads to India to explore the world of naan bread. He explains that naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, but can also be cooked on a cast-iron skillet or pizza stone at home. Brown demonstrates how to make a simple garlic naan and also shows how to make a stuffed naan filled with spiced lamb.

Finally, Brown heads to Italy to explore the delicious world of focaccia bread. Focaccia is a yeasted flatbread that is heavily seasoned with olive oil and other toppings. Brown demonstrates a basic recipe for focaccia and shows how to add toppings like rosemary and sea salt, tomato and basil, and caramelized onions.

Throughout the episode, Brown emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind bread-making. He explains the roles of yeast, gluten, and hydration in the bread-making process and how each ingredient affects the final product. He also shares tips and tricks for working with dough, including how to properly measure ingredients and how to troubleshoot common problems like over-proofing and under-proofing.

Overall, "Flat is Beautiful II" is a delicious and educational journey through the world of flatbreads. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a bread-making newbie, Brown's easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips will have you whipping up delicious flatbreads in no time.