Veggie and Hummus Flatbreads
A quick and healthy flatbread layered with creamy hummus, sautéed balsamic vegetables, and tangy goat cheese. This satisfying vegetarian meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a light lunch.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 Toaster oven or oven
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 pieces naan flatbread
- 10 ounces hummus roasted red pepper recommended
- 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare and Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat and allow it to warm for about a minute before adding the oil. This step ensures even heat distribution so your vegetables cook evenly without sticking. Drizzle in the olive oil and let it shimmer slightly—this is a sign that it’s hot and ready for the veggies.
- Dice and Add the Vegetables: While the skillet is heating, dice the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, onion, and zucchini into small, even pieces. Uniform cutting helps them cook at the same pace and makes the flatbreads easier to eat. Add the vegetables to the hot skillet and season right away with kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. The seasoning at this stage allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the veggies as they sauté.
- Sauté Until Tender and Lightly Caramelized: Stir the vegetables occasionally, letting them cook for 7–8 minutes. The goal is to soften the peppers, onion, and zucchini while achieving a slight golden-brown edge. Don’t stir too often—allowing the veggies to rest against the hot skillet encourages caramelization, which brings out their natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor for your flatbread topping.
- Add Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar: Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, releasing its savory aroma. Then, pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir well. Let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes so the vinegar slightly reduces and forms a glossy coating on the vegetables. This step adds depth and tanginess that balances the creamy hummus and goat cheese later.
- Toast the Naan Flatbreads: While the veggies finish cooking, warm your naan flatbreads in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes. Toasting gives the naan a light crisp on the outside while keeping the inside soft, creating the perfect base for your toppings. Avoid skipping this step, as it prevents the bread from becoming soggy once the hummus and vegetables are added.
- Spread the Hummus Generously: Remove the warm naan from the oven and place it on a cutting board or serving plate. Using a spoon or spatula, spread a thick, even layer of hummus across each flatbread, reaching all the way to the edges. The hummus acts as a creamy foundation that adds protein, fiber, and flavor while helping the vegetables stick in place. For best results, use roasted red pepper hummus, which pairs beautifully with the balsamic vegetables.
- Top with Sautéed Vegetables: Spoon the warm, balsamic-glazed vegetables evenly over the hummus layer. Make sure to distribute the mixture so that every bite has a balance of peppers, onion, zucchini, and garlic. Press the vegetables down gently with the back of the spoon to help them settle into the hummus without sliding off.
- Finish with Crumbled Goat Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the top of the vegetable mixture. The goat cheese should slightly soften from the heat of the veggies but remain creamy and tangy, creating a delicious contrast against the sweet balsamic glaze and savory hummus. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper at this stage.
- Slice and Serve Immediately: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice each flatbread into halves or quarters, depending on whether you’re serving them as a main dish or appetizer. Serve immediately while the flatbread is warm and the cheese is slightly melted. Pair with a side salad, fresh fruit, or even a chilled sparkling water for a light yet satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm vegetables for best texture and vibrant color.
- Dice vegetables evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a uniform topping.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Naan breads can be toasted in a skillet if you don’t have an oven.
- Hummus varieties can be swapped—try roasted red pepper, garlic, or classic hummus.
- Goat cheese can be replaced with feta or a plant-based alternative for a vegan version.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; keep toppings separate from naan if storing.
- Leftover flatbreads reheat well in a toaster oven or on a skillet to maintain crispiness.
