There’s something profoundly comforting about creating a meal that not only nourishes the body but also brings joy to the soul. The Eggplant Hummus Flatbread is one of those dishes. Imagine a cozy afternoon spent in your kitchen, the warmth of the oven mingling with the earthy aroma of roasted eggplant and the vibrant scent of fresh peppers. Every Sunday, my kitchen fills with laughter and the aroma of delicious food, thanks to my niece Emily. At ten years old, she’s a little chef in the making, and her favorite dish is our Eggplant Hummus Flatbread.
It all started when Emily was diagnosed with gluten intolerance. Determined to make her feel included, we created this vegan, gluten-free marvel. Emily loves helping with every step, from mixing the dough to spreading the spicy lentil hummus. Her favorite part is adding the toppings—roasted eggplant, vibrant mini sweet peppers, and jalapeno-stuffed olives.
As the flatbread bakes, the kitchen buzzes with anticipation. When it’s ready, we gather around, savoring each bite. The crispy crust, creamy hummus, and savory toppings never fail to bring a smile to Emily’s face.
For us, this flatbread is more than a meal—it’s a cherished tradition, a celebration of togetherness, and a testament to the joy of cooking with loved ones. I hope it brings the same warmth and happiness to your table.
Chef’s Notes- Eggplant Hummus Flatbread
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the water is lukewarm (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast effectively. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more gluten-free flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water, a teaspoon at a time
- Warm Environment: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cold, you can preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside with the door slightly ajar.
- Even Thickness: Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking. If the dough tears, patch it up with a bit of extra dough and smooth it out gently.
- Pre-Baking the Crust: Pre-baking ensures the crust gets crispy and holds up to the toppings without becoming soggy. If you prefer a softer crust, reduce the pre-baking time by 5 minutes.
- High Heat Finish: The final bake at the highest oven setting helps melt the vegan cheese quickly and gives the vegetables a slight char, enhancing the flavors.
- Eggplant: For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the eggplant slices instead of sautéing them. This adds a wonderful depth to the dish.
- Softness: If you prefer your mini sweet peppers to retain some crunch, you can add them to the flatbread without pre-cooking.
- Cheese Alternatives: If using nutritional yeast instead of vegan cheese, sprinkle it on after the final bake to retain its nutritional benefits and enhance the cheesy flavor.
Eggplant Hummus Flatbread
Dive into this delightful Eggplant Hummus Flatbread, a vegan and gluten-free marvel that’s sure to satisfy your pizza cravings without the traditional ingredients. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe combines a crispy crust with a rich, spicy lentil hummus, roasted eggplant, and vibrant mini sweet peppers. It’s a healthy, flavorful twist on classic pizza that even non-vegans will love!
4
servings5
hours35
minutes250
kcal5
hours35
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Crust Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
1 tsp psyllium husk powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup lukewarm water
- Toppings Ingredients
2 cups spicy lentil hummus (store-bought or homemade)
6 slices eggplant (1/2” thick)
1 tsp olive oil (for roasting)
1/4 cup shredded vegan cheese (Mexican Style preferred)
- Alternative Ingredients:
Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute with almond flour or coconut flour for a different texture.
Psyllium Husk Powder: Replace with ground flaxseed.
Vegan Cheese: Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the melt.
Spicy Lentil Hummus: Regular hummus or black bean dip can be used.
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, psyllium husk powder, sea salt, and active dry yeast. Gradually add lukewarm water and olive oil while stirring until a dough forms. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 4 hours.
- Shape the Dough: Dust your work surface with some gluten-free flour. Transfer the risen dough onto the surface and gently shape it into a smooth ball. Flatten it into a disc and use a rolling pin to roll it out to about 12 inches in diameter.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough on a lightly dusted pizza pan. Bake on the bottom rack for 20 minutes and then move to the middle rack for an additional 10 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- Roast the Eggplant: While the crust is baking, heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Roast the eggplant slices for about 2 minutes on each side until they are slightly wilted. Set aside.
- Assemble the Pizza: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread the spicy lentil hummus evenly over the crust using a spatula. Arrange the roasted eggplant slices, sliced mini sweet peppers, and jalapeno-stuffed olives on top.
- Final Bake: Increase the oven temperature to its highest setting. Sprinkle shredded vegan cheese over the toppings and bake for an additional 3 minutes or until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry Brush
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza Pan
- Sauté Pan
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 40mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ- Eggplant Hummus Flatbread
Can I use a different type of flour for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose gluten-free flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a different texture. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the crust may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of psyllium husk powder?
If you don’t have psyllium husk powder, you can replace it with ground flaxseed. This will help bind the dough similarly.
How can I make my own spicy lentil hummus?
To make your own spicy lentil hummus, cook lentils until soft, then blend them with tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of spices such as cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Can I use regular hummus instead of spicy lentil hummus?
Yes, you can use regular hummus or even a black bean dip as a substitute for the spicy lentil hummus. This will slightly alter the flavor profile but will still be delicious.
What other toppings can I add to this flatbread?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, arugula, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts would make great additions. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I grill the eggplant instead of sautéing it?
Yes, grilling the eggplant slices instead of sautéing them can add a wonderful smoky flavor to the flatbread.
