Lagana

Lagana is a flatbread that originated in ancient Greece. It is still made during the Greek Lent period that precedes Orthodox Easter.

Serves: 10Hands-on: 10 minutesTotal: 3 hours 25 minutesDifficulty: Medium

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Serves: 10

Ingredients

  • 2 1⁄2 tsp. active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1 1⁄2 cups tepid water
  • 1 1⁄2 tsp. salt
  • 3 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1⁄2 cup sesame seeds

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and water. Set the mixture aside for 7 to 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. Stir in the salt. Using a large wooden spoon or your hands, gradually stir in 3 1⁄2 cups flour until a dough starts to form. If the mixture seems a little dry, add up to 1⁄4 cup tepid water until the dough comes together. The dough should feel smooth and not too sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 1–1 1⁄2 hours. It should double in size.
  • Grease two medium baking sheets with oil. Put the remaining flour on a work surface. Punch down the dough and empty the bowl onto the floured surface. Divide the dough in half and place each half on a separate baking sheet. Using your fingers, stretch the dough to fill the baking sheets and form a rectangular shape with rounded ends. Allow the dough to rise another 45 to 60 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Deflate the lagana; use your fingertips to poke the dough, leaving behind indentations. Sprinkle each lagana with the sesame seeds.
  • Bake on the middle rack in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely before serving.