I don't like that you can't leave comments at the end of each recipe. It's a helpful feature that is quite common on other food sites, especially food sites that sell stuff. Reader/cooks with experience can offer so much assistance and feedback, and readers don't have to search and/or leave the recipe page.
I did not love the results of the MS Piandina recipe. It was the first time I made flatbread. I followed the recipe to perfection, using metric and a scale. I purchased the same brand of lard. My dough came together in my Kitchenaid food processor exactly as it appears in the TV show, so I was very hopeful.
After resting and rolling, the dough seemed very greasy. My gut was telling me that 63 grams of lard may be overkill.
The dough fried beautifully in my cast iron skillet, but the cooking scent was not as strong as my pizza dough, which I also cook in a skillet. My finished piadina looked beautiful, but the dough did not bubble as it fried. No air pockets. And the cooked bread appeared quite dense. It was nowhere near as soft as I had imagined.
Not only did I not love the texture and mouth feel, I thought the flavor was lacking. There was plenty of salt, possibly too much, since it had a prominent salt taste. I make pie crust with lard and the distinct flavor is amazing. I was surprised by the piadina's lackluster flavor.
I've seen that naan recipes call for yeast and fermenting time, similar to pizza dough. I am wondering if adding yeast to this recipe and either cutting back on the lard or replacing it with olive oil could yield satisfying results. I don't mind waiting on dough if it means building flavor. I have no interest in bland bread.
Thank you.
Have a question for Milk Street experts?
Get trusted advice from the cooks, editors, and recipe developers behind Milk Street.
Don’t have an account?Sign up
Join the conversation
Sign in to join the conversation.
COMMENTS
Michael V.
September 9, 2019
Thank you, Lynn C. for your thoughtful response. I record the Milk Street show, and I enjoy your on-camera talent and your contributions. Considering the countless times I've been to Italy, I've never had piadina. I've seen it in tavole calde, but it's never been my first choice for a sandwich. I usually pick the panino or focaccia. I also find that bread in Italy can vary dramatically in flavor and texture, depending on the region. I have no love for dense, bland bread, no matter what lies between. Perhaps the highlight you stated is of no interest to me, since I value bread's flavor and texture over speed and convenience. I bought that pound of lard, so I was hoping to tweak the recipe and make more. I plan to experiment a little. I thought my dough felt greasy after it rested and rolled out, but I don't have a clear reference point, other than pierogi, pizza, and chinese dumpling dough. My lard was quite cold, but it was not frozen, which is my typical way of using it when making pie crust. I date my spice items, so I will check the date of my baking powder. I neglected to consider that. I docked the rolled dough the way I dock my pastry crust. It could be considered excessive. I did the water drop test on my frypan, so the pan was definitely hot enough. I realize that naan is a different bread, but my goodness, when it's made well and spiced right, the eating experience is sublime. Thank you again for helping me re-think this. I enjoy kitchen challenges.
Lynn ClarkMilk Street Staff
September 9, 2019
Hi Michael - Glad I could be of some assistance. One of the things I love about recipe development is the investigation process to find out what went wrong or what can be changed, improved, or eliminated. It sounds like you enjoy that process too. Thanks for writing in and watching the show! Best, Lynn
