Crispy Nigella Seed Flatbread Crackerskelliesfoodtoglow.com/2013/03/19/crispy-fennel-seed-flatbread-crackers/

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225g plain unbleached flour OR refined spelt flour ½ tsp baking powder¾ tsp fine salt1 tsp poppy seeds2 tsp sesame seeds2 tsp fennel seeds, coarsely ground. (I used Nigella seeds) (ie with a pestle and mortar) 2 pinches coarse black pepper2 tbsp olive oil120ml warm water with a squeeze of lemon juiceExtra olive oil for painting on the dough

Flaky salt, such as Maldon, Murray River pink salt, Halen Mon

Pop the flour into a large bowl along with the baking powder and salt and give it a good going over with a large whisk. You can sift this of course but even refined spelt flour has ‘bits’ in it that stay in a sieve. A large balloon whisk is my weapon of choice when sifting chunky flour.

Now mix in the seeds and pepper before making a well; pour in the oil and water. Stir well and then knead in the bowl a few times before turning out onto a floured surface to lightly knead 20 times. It’s not super crucial but I do think it helps to develop the gluten, even for a short time. Roll the dough into a rough cylinder, wrap in cling film and rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. Again, resting isn’t crucial but I do think it is worth doing if you have the time.

Roll the cylinder into a sausage shape about a foot long and mark out notches at about 4 inch intervals. Cut off one notch and roll out in a rectangle as thinly as possible on a flour-dusted surface or directly onto a sheet of baking paper, flouring the rolling pin as necessary. If it seems a bit resistant to rolling at any point, just leave it to rest for a few minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and become more elastic.

Use a knife and clean ruler, or rim of a baking tray, to neaten the rectangle and then cut the rectangle into strips, then into smaller rectangles. To keep it simple you could just make smaller notches and snip off and roll each into a longue/tongue shape. You could make it fancier by cutting with a crimp-edged cutter, or use floured cookie cutters to make shapes or rounds.

Carefully lift and place each rolled piece onto a parchment paper-lined large baking tray (unless you have rolled the dough directly onto the paper), piercing each lightly and evenly at regular intervals with a fork. Brush the entire surface with more olive oil, scatter over with flaky salt, and bake in a hot (220C/425F) oven for between 8 and 10 minute. Watch carefully. You may get a few singed ends but that’s part of the charm of these (!). Remove carefully and lay on a baking rack to cool and crisp up further. Carry on with the remaining dough. If you have a few baking trays just do all of the rolling and cutting in a one-er.

These keep really well in a airtight container. But as with most baked goods, this theory is rarely put to the test. Perfect with Super-smooth Hummus, Lebanese-style Broad Bean Hummus and Pea and Coriander Dip.

Laura’s notes-

I deleted fennel seeds from recipe. Hence the name change.

Also, I made a mistake and used instead: 2 tab Sesame seeds and 2 tab Nigella seeds.

But it still tasted pretty good. Adjust to suit your taste.