Piadina – Roman Flatbread Inspired by Apicius

Piadina – Roman Flatbread

Course: Bread
Origin: Ancient Rome
Served: Warm or Room Temperature
Event: Push for Pennsic 2004 – Early Roman Feast

Historical Background

Piadina is a simple flatbread with roots in ancient Roman and Etruscan cuisine. Early references describe breads baked on hot stones or iron discs. Roman soldiers and farmers alike relied on this versatile bread, which could be prepared quickly without an oven. Today, its legacy continues in the flatbreads of central Italy.

Modern Interpretation

This version of piadina uses only basic ingredients—flour, fat, salt, and water—and cooks quickly on a griddle or open fire, making it ideal for period events with limited kitchen access.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil or lard
• 1 tsp salt
• Warm water (about 1 cup, added gradually)

Instructions

1. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add olive oil or lard and mix until crumbly.
3. Slowly add warm water while mixing to form a smooth dough.
4. Divide into 6–8 balls, flatten, and roll into ¼-inch thick rounds.
5. Cook on a hot griddle or pan until bubbles appear and each side is golden (about 2–3 minutes per side).

Note: These flatbreads are best eaten fresh but can also be stored and reheated briefly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Cucumeres (Braised Cucumber), Lucanicae (grilled Sausages), Epityrum (olives), and Moretum (herbed Cheese spread) to create a Roman Dayboard, or platter. 

Sources

• Pliny the Elder – Natural History
• Digitized Latin & English – LacusCurtius
• Gutenberg – Apicius (Vehling translation)

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🍷 Want more recipes from this feast?

Explore the other dishes served at the Early Roman Feast – Push for Pennsic, July 9–11, 2004:

• Cucumeres (Braised Cucumber)
• Lucanicae (Grilled Sausages)
• Epityrum (Olives)
• Moretum (Herbed Cheese Spread)
• Petaso paro Mustacei (Smoked Ham with Sweet Wine Cakes)
• Erebinthoi Knakosymmigeis (Chickpeas with Saffron)
• Krambe (Roman Cabbage)
• Itria (Sesame Seed Biscuit)
• Basyniai (Fig and Walnut Cakes)