Dishes
Ftira Bread
Traditional Maltese flatbread, similar to a focaccia, often enjoyed with tomato paste, olives, capers, or cheese.
Ingredients
Steps
- Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add liquids – Make a well in the centre, pour in warm water and olive oil, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead – Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8‑10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise – Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1‑1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape – Punch down the dough, divide into 2‑3 portions, and stretch each into a round or oval flatbread about 1 cm thick.
- Second rise – Rest the shaped dough for 15‑20 minutes.
- Bake – Pre‑heat the oven to 220 °C (425 °F). Place the ftira on a parchment‑lined tray, drizzle with olive oil and add desired toppings.
- Cook – Bake for 12‑15 minutes, until golden on the edges and the toppings are cooked through.
- Serve – Serve warm, split open and spread with tomato paste, olives, or cheese as desired.