While it might seem like bread, pasta and other carbohydrates have been permanently relegated to the back corner of the pantry recently, starch-lovers everywhere can rejoice: This year has been dubbed the “return of the carbs,” according to Technomic’s 10 Trends for 2014. Innovative dishes incorporating artisan breads, wraps and even waffles as carriers are expected to continue to increase.
Flatbreads, in particular, have seen a surge in popularity not only because of their association with health—whole-wheat varieties in particular—but also because they’re easily paired with a variety of ingredients, from fruits and vegetables to vinegars, herbs and oils. The ingredient categories most often paired with flatbreads on menus today are vegetables (82 percent), dairy (71 percent) and protein (67 percent), according to Food Genius.
The versatility of flatbreads makes them an easy choice for operators looking for a way to menu a variety of flavorful—or even customizable—menu options for consumers seeking both bold flavors and comfort classics. Here’s a sampling of flatbread dishes featuring unique ingredients from today’s menus.
Elephant & Castle
Boston, Mass.-based; 15 locations internationally
Curried Chicken Flat Bread: mild curried tomato sauce, goat cheese, red onion, fresh cilantro, chili flakes and lightly spiced yogurt; $10
Fat Goose
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Wild Mushroom Flatbread: farm egg yolk, green chili, pecorino-romano; $10
City Tap House
Philadelphia, Pa.
BBQ Pork Flatbread: love stout BBQ, sliced fresno, manchego cheese, house slaw; $14
Mad Donna’s
Nashville, Tenn.
Breakfast Flatbread: sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, onions, bell peppers and cheddar & jack cheese; $8.50
Nosh Wine Lounge
Omaha, Neb.
Fig and Apple Flatbread: fig compote, fresh goat cheese, asiago cheese, sliced apples, walnuts, balsamic reduction, honey and dressed greens; $14
District
Austin, Texas
Roasted Duck & Brie Flatbread: roasted duck, brie, toasted walnut, Spanish chorizo, spinach, pickled red onion, pomegranate vinaigrette; $14
This post is sponsored by Rich's Foodservice