Experience the joy of baking your own Lavash with our simple and customizable recipe. This traditional Middle Eastern flatbread is easy to make and incredibly versatile, perfect for serving with dips, spreads, or as a wrap for your favorite fillings. Join us in the kitchen as we create this delicious and satisfying bread that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
For the Lavash Dough:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3/4 cup warm water
For Garnishing (Optional):
– Sesame seeds
– Poppy seeds
– Nigella seeds
– Flaky sea salt
– Dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
Cooking Process:
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
- 2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the olive oil and warm water.
- 3. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Resting the Dough
- 1. Place the kneaded dough in a clean bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- 2. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, allowing it to relax and rise slightly.
Step 3: Preparing the Lavash
- 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions.
- 3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a thin rectangle or oval shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
- 4. Transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Baking the Lavash
- 1. Prick the surface of the dough all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming.
- 2. Optionally, sprinkle the surface of the dough with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, nigella seeds, flaky sea salt, or dried herbs, pressing them lightly into the dough.
- 3. Bake the Lavash in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp.
- 4. Remove the Lavash from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For Garnishing:
1. For a traditional touch, sprinkle the baked Lavash with a generous amount of sesame seeds or a mixture of seeds and flaky sea salt before baking.
2. Experiment with different toppings such as poppy seeds, nigella seeds, or dried herbs to add flavor and visual appeal to your Lavash.
3. Serve the Lavash alongside your favorite dips, spreads, or as a wrap for sandwiches or kebabs.
Notes and Helpful Tips:
1. Consistency of dough: The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Adjust the amount of flour or water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
2. Rolling out the dough: Take your time to roll out the dough evenly to ensure that the Lavash bakes uniformly and crisps up nicely.
3. Oven temperature: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the Lavash as it bakes to prevent it from burning. It should be golden brown and crisp around the edges.
4. Storage: Store leftover Lavash in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To re-crisp the Lavash, place it in a preheated oven for a few minutes before serving.
5. Get creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Lavash toppings! Experiment with different seeds, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
With these simple steps and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create homemade Lavash that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread and the versatility of this delicious flatbread—it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!