This recipe totally has my heart because it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, marrying caramelized onions with the tangy kick of goat cheese on an easy homemade crust. Plus, the addition of fresh thyme and optional arugula gives it that farm-to-table vibe that makes me feel like a gourmet chef in my own kitchen!
I adore how a straightforward mixture of components can yield a satisfying dish such as Spanish Flatbread with Caramelized Onions. This requires a foundation of 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sea salt that packs a robust punch to this flatbread.
The flatbread then contrasts magnificently with the savory and sweet flavors of onions that have been caramelized in balsamic vinegar and sugar. Goat cheese and fresh arugula take this dish to yet another level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Universal flour supplies carbs, serving as the main energy source.
Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats that are good for the heart.
Sweet and deep, rich with antioxidants, onions are aromatic.
They add flavoring in multiple forms—chopped, minced, sliced, or pureed—as well as textures that make a dish feel more complete.
Sweet-tangy balsamic vinegar is low in calories.
Thyme: Fragrant plant, improves taste, has many antioxidants.
Cheese made from goat’s milk: Yields a smooth, creamy consistency; provides a protein and calcium boost.
Arugula: Sharp, flavorful green; vitamin-rich (K, C), low-calorie.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh arugula for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, put in 1 tablespoon olive oil, and slowly add the warm water. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. At the same time, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sliced paper-thin, and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are quite soft and absolutely golden, about 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar with the onions. Stir to mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are truly caramelized. Add fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.
6. Set your oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat.
7. On a floured work surface, roll the dough that has been allowed to rest into an oval or rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) with a thinness that is even throughout.
8. Move the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
9. Evenly distribute the caramelized onions over the dough. If you are using it, add crumbled goat cheese on top.
10. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The edges should be golden and the cheese slightly melted. Before serving, you can top the dish with fresh arugula, but this is optional. Enjoy it warm.
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Large skillet
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Damp cloth
8. Oven
9. Rolling pin
10. Baking sheet
11. Parchment paper
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of flour?Certainly, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend in place of all-purpose flour. That said, texture and taste could differ somewhat.
- How do I caramelize onions effectively?Slice onions and cook them slowly over medium-low heat in olive oil. Stir frequently for 20-25 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
- Is there an alternative to balsamic vinegar?Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, mixed with a touch more sugar, can serve as a good substitute for balsamic vinegar.
- Can I make the flatbread dough ahead of time?Certainly, you can make the dough one day ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- What if I don’t have fresh thyme?You can use dried thyme instead, but use only half the amount since it is more concentrated in flavor.
- Is the goat cheese necessary?The goat cheese is not required, but it imparts a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the flatbread.
- How can I make this vegan?To prepare the recipe with a vegan diet in mind, leave out the goat cheese and make sure that any optional ingredients are plant-based alternatives.
Substitutions and Variations
All-purpose flour: You can replace it with whole wheat flour to get an earthier flavor.
If necessary, substitute avocado oil or sunflower oil for olive oil.
Instead of balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used.
Chevre: Feta can be used to achieve a similar tangy flavor in place of fresh goat cheese.
Raw arugula: If fresh arugula is not available, try baby spinach or watercress instead.
Pro Tips
1. Rest the Dough Properly: Allow the dough to rest for a full 30 minutes or even longer if you have time. This helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out thinly and achieve a great texture.
2. Caramelize Onions Slowly: Cook the onions on low to medium heat to ensure they caramelize evenly without burning. This process should take time (about 20-25 minutes), resulting in onions that are rich and sweet in flavor.
3. Dough Rolling Technique: Roll the dough evenly by working from the center outwards to prevent any tears. If the dough keeps springing back, cover it and let it rest a bit longer to relax further.
4. Measurement Adjustments: If you prefer a more pronounced tangy flavor, slightly increase the balsamic vinegar, but be sure to balance it with sugar so the caramelized onions remain sweet.
5. Crispy Base Tip: For an extra crispy base, place the baking sheet with the rolled-out dough in the oven for 5 minutes before adding toppings. This helps form a barrier that keeps the base from getting soggy with the onion juices.
Spanish Flatbread With Caramelized Onions Recipe
My favorite Spanish Flatbread With Caramelized Onions Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Large skillet
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Damp cloth
8. Oven
9. Rolling pin
10. Baking sheet
11. Parchment paper
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh arugula for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly.
2. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, put in 1 tablespoon olive oil, and slowly add the warm water. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. At the same time, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, sliced paper-thin, and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are quite soft and absolutely golden, about 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar with the onions. Stir to mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are truly caramelized. Add fresh thyme leaves, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove from the heat.
6. Set your oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat.
7. On a floured work surface, roll the dough that has been allowed to rest into an oval or rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) with a thinness that is even throughout.
8. Move the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
9. Evenly distribute the caramelized onions over the dough. If you are using it, add crumbled goat cheese on top.
10. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The edges should be golden and the cheese slightly melted. Before serving, you can top the dish with fresh arugula, but this is optional. Enjoy it warm.
