Mix flour and Greek yogurt, bake for tasty miracle muffin

Two-ingredient dough struck me as suspect. How could a single recipe that calls for a pair of staples have conquered the entire Internet? Isn’t it just yogurt mashed into flour? How good could it be?

Let me testify: very good. Presumably science can explain how Greek yogurt and self-rising flour yield bread with a chewy crust and tender interior. Presumably science can be sidestepped in favor of the obvious: It’s a miracle.

One with semantic issues. Self-rising flour comprises all-purpose flour, salt and baking powder. Dough leavening with such a chemical agent produces quick bread, muffin or scone. In other words, two-ingredient bread is a four-ingredient biscuit. And a wonder.

True believers swear the dough can be shaped into pleasing pizza, pretzels and — stretching credulity — bagels. I find its tangy taste and craggy crumb perfect for English muffins — ones simple enough to bake before breakfast. See? Miraculous.

You can substitute 2 cups self-rising flour for the flour, baking powder and salt. I prefer this method.

English Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 cups plain fat-free Greek yogurt

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Scrape in yogurt. Using a soft spatula, mash until dough comes together, about 30 seconds.

Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead smooth, a few seconds.

Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. With lightly floured hands, roll each into a ball. Pat each into a puck about 3 ½ inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.

Set pucks on a parchmentlined baking sheet, leaving a little room in between. Bake at 400 degrees, 10 minutes. Flip each muffin over, and bake until golden brown and hollowsounding when thumped, another 10 to 12 minutes.

Let cool a bit. Using the tines of a fork, split a muffin. Prize open; slather each craggy face with butter and jam. Enjoy.

Slip cooled leftover muffins into a plastic bag, seal and store in the fridge. Reheat at 350 degrees for 5 minutes, or toast lightly.

Makes 8 English muffins.