What Is Unleavened Bread?

If you watch cooking programs or read recipes, then you may come across the terms leavened bread and unleavened bread. Those who have little experience in breadmaking may find these terms confusing. So, what is unleavened bread? Similarly, what is leavened bread? Here is an explanation of the differences between these two types of bread.

What is Leavened Bread?

Leavened bread does not refer to one specific bread but a group of bread varieties that share a similarity. It covers any bread type made using a rising agent, such as yeast. The combination of the rising agent with the other ingredients adds gas to the dough in a process called leavening.

What Is Unleavened Bread?

The term unleavened bread also refers to a group of bread varieties rather than a specific type. It includes any bread made without using a rising agent, such as bicarbonate of soda or yeast. In many cases, it is referred to as flatbread, although there are many different types, including roti, matzo, and tortilla.

What Is Unleavened Bread Made From Usually?

The main ingredient of most flatbreads is flour, although this can include flour made using different products, such as wheat, corn, barley, or chickpeas. They also use a wet product that acts as a binding agent for the flour, such as milk, water, or melted butter. Some also include fat, such as lard, butter, or oil.

Are Flatbreads Easy to Make?

One of the main advantages of making bread that does not use a rising agent is that it is so much quicker to make. It does not require a long proving and resting time like leavened bread, so it is a quick and easy option.
As there are only a few ingredients, there is hardly any preparation time. Therefore, most types of flatbreads are a quick and easy recipe you can rustle up at the last minute as an accompaniment for soups, curries, stews, and many other dishes.

The Final Verdict: What Is Unleavened Bread?

In summary, the easiest way to answer the question of ‘what is unleavened bread?’ is that it is any bread that does not use a rising agent. They are a quick and easy type of bread to make that can accompany a vast array of dishes.