Laganá Bread — Olive Oil & Sea Salt Poetry
Soft, flat dough brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt basks in gentle heat. This no-rise bread sings of simple ingredients and Mediterranean sun — perfect as part of a meze or alongside a bowl of trahanas.
Ingredients:
- 500g hard flour
- 350g water
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 pinch of sugar
- 10g salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Brushing the Lagana:
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
In a bowl, mix the water, yeast, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Let it sit for 20 minutes to activate the yeast. - Prepare the Dough:
After 20 minutes, add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead for 10 minutes until you have a smooth dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. - Shape the Lagana:
Once risen, divide the dough into two equal pieces. Place each piece on a parchment paper sheet sized to fit your baking tray. Sprinkle some flour on each piece, and use a rolling pin to shape the dough into the characteristic flat oval of lagana. - Prepare the Sugar Water:
In a small bowl, mix the water and sugar to create a sweet glaze. Brush the top of each lagana with the sugar water and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. - Second Rise:
Let the lagana rise for another 30-35 minutes. - Preheat and Decorate:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) with fan assistance. Use your fingers to create dimples across the surface of the lagana. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. - Bake:
Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the lagana are golden brown. Adjust the baking time based on your oven.
What Is Laganá Bread?
Laganá is a Greek flatbread traditionally made for Clean Monday. It’s an unleavened dough brushed liberally with olive oil, often topped with sesame seeds or salt, then baked until golden.
Tips for Baking Laganá
Roll the dough fairly thin so it crisps lightly at the edges. Use a baking stone or preheated tray. Brush generously with olive oil and bake until the top blushes golden.
Enjoy the Warmth of Tradition
Lagana bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simplicity and heritage. With its crisp crust, tender crumb, and sesame topping, it’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or enjoying on its own. A warm slice of lagana brings the charm of tradition to your table.
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