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Lavash bread recipe

Easy Lavash Bread Recipe: Homemade Armenian Flatbread

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Discover how to make authentic Armenian lavash bread recipe at home. Create thin, crispy flatbread perfect for wraps, dips, and more.

The smell of fresh bread in the kitchen is a joy. It reminds me of my grandmother’s Armenian flatbread, lavash. I loved waiting for her to bake it in her tandoor oven. The whole house would fill with its amazing scent.

Making lavash bread at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can make it just like my childhood. This recipe is perfect for adding a new cultural touch to your meals or enjoying a taste of the Middle East.

lavash bread recipe

A warm, freshly baked lavash bread, slightly puffed and golden-brown, resting on a rustic wooden surface, with a few scattered grains of flour nearby, soft light illuminating its texture and subtle creases.

Key Takeaways

  • Lavash is a traditional thin, flexible Middle Eastern flatbread popular in Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and other countries.
  • This easy recipe yields a crisp, un-yeasted lavash that only requires 10 minutes of hands-on work to make the dough.
  • Lavash can be used in a variety of dishes, such as wraps, sandwiches, and as an accompaniment to meals.
  • The recipe provides step-by-step instructions for mixing, kneading, shaping, and baking the lavash bread.
  • Lavash is a versatile and nutritious bread option that can be a healthy alternative to pita or soft tortillas.

What is Lavash Bread?

Lavash is a soft, thin flatbread loved in the Middle East, South Caucasus, and the Mediterranean. It’s popular in places like Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan. This thin flatbread is great for wraps, sandwiches, or as a side dish. It’s made with flour, water, and salt, sometimes with yeast.

Characteristics and Origins of Lavash Bread

Lavash is baked in a tandoor oven. The dough is slapped against the oven’s hot walls. This makes the bread soft, flexible, and slightly smoky. This method has been passed down for generations, making lavash a key part of Turkish cuisine and Armenian bread culture.

Lavash is also known as naan lavash and noon lavash. It’s a favorite middle eastern bread around the world. People love it for its versatile uses and tasty flavor.

IngredientAmount
All-purpose flour2 cups
Whole wheat flour1 cup
Yeast1 teaspoon
Sugar1/2 teaspoon
Lukewarm water1 cup plus 1 tablespoon
Salt1 teaspoon

To make homemade lavash, you need all-purpose and whole wheat flours, yeast, sugar, water, and salt. The dough rises for an hour. Then it’s divided and baked, making a delicious armenian bread with a soft, flexible texture.

“Lavash bread is a staple in Iranian households due to its thin and pliable texture, making it suitable for various dishes like kebabs, sandwiches, and traditional Iranian delicacies.”

lavash bread recipe

Get ready to make your own Armenian flatbread with our simple recipe. This homemade lavash is perfect for wrapping grilled kebabs, veggies, or cheese. It has a crispy, cracker-like texture that’s delightful.

Our recipe is easy. It takes just 10 minutes to make the dough. Then, a quick proof and shape before baking. The secret to great lavash is the flour mix. We use all-purpose and ’00’ flour for its pliable texture.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) total amount of flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup warm water
  • 2/3 cup lukewarm whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Rolling pin

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and lukewarm milk slowly. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and rest for 15-20 minutes.

After resting, knead in the olive oil until it’s fully incorporated.

Shaping and Baking the Flatbread

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.

Roll each ball into a thin, oblong shape, about 1/8 inch thick. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

Place the dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until golden and crispy. Bake one or two pieces at a time for the best results.

Once baked, sprinkle with seeds like sesame or poppy for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade traditional Armenian flatbread with its easy unleavened recipe and crispy, cracker-like texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Lavash

Making homemade lavash bread is a fun baking adventure. Follow this guide to make your own Armenian flatbread at home.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

You’ll need some basic ingredients and tools to make lavash. You’ll need flour, water, salt, and olive oil. Also, a rolling pin, baking sheets or stones, and a broiler or oven for baking.

  • All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups or 310 grams)
  • Whole-wheat flour (1/4 cup or 35 grams)
  • Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
  • Granulated sugar (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Kosher salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Warm water (1 1/4 cups)

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

Start by proofing the yeast. Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a big bowl. Wait 5-10 minutes for it to get frothy.

Then, add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until it’s a shaggy dough.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 7-10 minutes until it’s smooth. Put it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours, until it doubles.

Shaping and Baking the Flatbread

After rising, punch down the dough. Divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each into a thin, oval flatbread, about 1/8-inch thick.

Preheat your oven to 500°F with a baking steel or stone inside. Place the dough on the preheated surface. Bake for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s puffed and golden.

lavash bread recipe 1

“Step-by-step visual guide for making lavash bread, showcasing each phase: mixing flour and water in a bowl, kneading dough on a floured surface, rolling out thin rounds of dough, placing them in a traditional oven, and finally displaying freshly baked lavash bread on a wooden board, with warm lighting and a rustic kitchen background.”

Let the lavash cool a bit before serving. Enjoy it with your favorite dips, spreads, or as a side to soups and stews.

Serving and Eating Lavash Bread

Lavash, the Armenian flatbread, is very versatile. It’s great with many dishes, like stews, curries, cheese boards, and dips. Its crisp texture is perfect for these.

Enjoy lavash as a wrap. Fill it with grilled veggies, hummus, or meats. Then, roll it up for a tasty meal. It’s also great for homemade pizzas, thanks to its sturdy yet flexible nature.

For a quick snack, cut lavash into small pieces. Serve it with labneh, avocado spread, or tzatziki. Its neutral taste goes well with many flavors, making it perfect for any time.

For a softer lavash, steam or lightly toast it. This is great for wraps or scooping up stews and curries.

lavash bread recipe 2

A beautifully arranged platter featuring freshly baked lavash bread, surrounded by an assortment of colorful dips like hummus and baba ganoush, alongside vibrant vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, placed on a rustic wooden table. The scene is illuminated by soft natural lighting, evoking a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Lavash bread is perfect for many cravings. Whether you want a snack, a wrap, or a pizza crust, it’s a versatile choice. Let your creativity run wild with this beloved Armenian flatbread.

Variations and Substitutions

Making homemade lavash bread lets you try different flours and techniques. This way, you can get the texture and flavor you want. The traditional recipe uses all-purpose and ’00’ flours. But, you can use flour alternatives to meet your dietary needs or preferences.

Using Different Flours

Lavash can be made with many flours. Here are a few:

  • All-purpose flour: This flour makes a soft, pliable lavash with a classic taste.
  • Whole wheat flour: It adds a nutty, earthy flavor and a heartier texture to your lavash.
  • Finely milled ’00’ flour: This Italian flour makes a lavash that’s delicate and pliant.

Try mixing different flours to find the perfect flavor and texture for you.

Yeasted vs. Unleavened Lavash

You can also play with leavened vs. unleavened dough in lavash. Yeasted lavash is softer and chewier. Unleavened lavash is crisp and cracker-like. Your choice depends on what you like and how you plan to use the bread.

Whether you use yeast or not, the goal is to make recipe modifications that you enjoy. This way, you keep the texture differences that make lavash so great.

Conclusion

Homemade lavash bread is a delightful and versatile flatbread you can make at home. It only needs a few simple ingredients and quick baking. You can enjoy the authentic flavors and textures of Armenian-style lavash.

Whether you like it soft and chewy or crispy and cracker-like, this recipe is a great start. It lets you explore the culinary versatility of lavash bread.

This article highlights lavash’s rich history and cultural significance. It also talks about its health benefits as a low-fat, preservative-free bread. Plus, it shows how easy it is to make it at home.

By mastering homemade lavash, you can use it in many dishes. From wraps and dips to pizzas, it’s very versatile. It’s a great addition to your kitchen and meal repertoire.

Keep experimenting with different flavors and serving ideas to make lavash your own. Its timeless appeal and adaptability make it a staple in any kitchen. Enjoy making and sharing your homemade lavash bread on social media.

FAQ

What is lavash bread?

Lavash is a thin flatbread from the Middle East. It’s loved in places like Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan. You can use it for wraps, sandwiches, or as a side dish.

What are the basic ingredients in lavash bread?

To make lavash, you need flour, water, salt, and oil. Mix and knead the dough until it’s smooth. Then, roll it thin before baking.

How is lavash bread traditionally baked?

Traditionally, lavash is baked in a tandoor oven. This gives it a unique texture and smoky taste. But, you can also bake it in a regular oven. Use a hot baking steel or stone under the broiler for a similar effect.

What are the different texture options for lavash bread?

Lavash can be soft and chewy or crispy and cracker-like. The recipe here makes a crispy lavash. It’s great with dips and spreads.

Can I use different flours to make lavash bread?

Yes, you can use different flours for lavash. Try all-purpose, whole wheat, or ’00’ flour for a soft texture. The recipe combines all-purpose and ’00’ flour for the best taste.

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