Easy Amaranrh Flat Bread Recipe: Make it Now!

Are you looking for an incredibly simple yet delicious flatbread recipe to impress your family and friends? Look no further than the Armenian Flat Bread or Lavash, which is both versatile and easy to make. This recipe not only offers a soft, chewy texture with a hint of authenticity but also provides the flexibility to be used in numerous culinary applications, from wraps to dips. Here’s how you can make your very own Armenian Flat Bread at home with this easy flatbread recipe.

Ingredients

Before diving into the making process, let’s gather all the ingredients:

• 1 packet (2 ¹⁄₄ tsp) of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of warm water
• 3 ¹⁄₂ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Additional flour for kneading

🧂 Note: If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour or half whole wheat and half all-purpose for more fiber.

Steps to Make Armenian Flat Bread

1. Yeast Activation: In a small bowl, combine yeast with the warm water and sugar. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then set aside for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Combining Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture along with the vegetable oil.
3. Mixing: Using a wooden spoon, start mixing the ingredients in the center, gradually incorporating more flour from the sides. When the dough is too stiff to mix with the spoon, switch to using your hands.
4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shaping the Bread: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten with a rolling pin to form an oval or round shape, aiming for a thickness of about ¹⁄₄ inch.
7. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on baking sheets, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
8. Preparation for Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, this would be the time to heat it up as well.
9. Baking: Bake the flatbreads for 8-10 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbrowning. You can prick the surface with a fork to prevent large bubbles if preferred.
10. Cooling: Once baked, transfer the flatbreads to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Tips for Making Perfect Flat Bread

• Rolling: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking. Use a floured surface to prevent sticking.
• Yeast Temperature: The water used for the yeast should be warm to the touch, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
• Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest and rise properly; this contributes to the texture and flavor of the bread.

⚠️ Note: If you’re using whole wheat flour, you might need to adjust the amount of water slightly, as it absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of Armenian Flat Bread lies in its simplicity and versatility:

• Serve it warm with dips like hummus or baba ghanoush.
• Use it as a wrap for grilled meats, veggies, or falafel.
• Turn it into pizza by adding toppings and baking for an extra few minutes.

Whether you’re having a casual family dinner or hosting a gathering, this flatbread can be the star of the show or a delicious accompaniment.

Storing and Reheating

Proper storage and reheating will ensure you get to enjoy your flatbread again:

• Storing: Cool the flatbread completely before storing. Use an airtight container or a zip-lock bag. You can keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze it for up to a month.
• Reheating: Simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or wrap in a damp cloth and microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

Embarking on the journey of making Armenian Flat Bread at home opens up a world of flavors and culinary creativity. This easy flatbread recipe ensures that even those new to baking can achieve a delightful result. Its delicate balance of chewiness and crispness makes it perfect for a wide array of dishes, enhancing your dining experience. Whether you're wrapping up a filling, enjoying with dips, or simply savoring it as a side, this flatbread promises to elevate your meals with its authentic Armenian touch.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast for this recipe?

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Yes, you can! Just skip the initial activation step. Mix the instant yeast directly with the flour and proceed with the recipe.

What other flours can I use?

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You can experiment with whole wheat, spelt, or even gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly.

How long can I store Armenian Flat Bread?

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At room temperature, it can last 2-3 days. In the freezer, wrapped well, it can last up to a month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly.