Lavash is a thin and flexible flatbread popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, often used for wrapping kebabs, falafel, and more. Making homemade lavash allows you to enjoy its soft and chewy texture right from your own kitchen. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your own delicious Middle Eastern lavash.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add Yeast Mixture: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
- Add Olive Oil: Stir in the olive oil into the mixture.
- Knead the Dough: Mix until the ingredients come together, and then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, you can add a little more warm water, one tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet inside.
- Divide and Shape the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into smaller portions (the number depends on your desired lavash size). Roll each portion into a ball.
- Roll Out the Lavash: Roll out each ball of dough into a thin and flat rectangle or oval shape, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Bake: Carefully place the rolled-out lavash on the preheated baking stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the lavash becomes slightly crisp and has a golden color.
- Serve: Remove the lavash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for wrapping with your favorite Middle Eastern ingredients.
Tips for Perfect Lavash:
- Thinly roll out the dough for a delicate and flexible lavash.
- Customize your lavash with sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or other toppings for added flavor.
With this recipe, you can create soft and versatile Middle Eastern lavash that’s perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings or enjoying as a snack