Lavaş (Azerbaijani Thin Flatbread)
In short: Paper-thin, soft flatbread made from flour, water and salt, cooked in seconds on a hot dry skillet. Wrap kebabs in it or tear it to scoop dips. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 220 kcal
Lavaş is the thin, soft flatbread that sits on every Azerbaijani table, used to wrap kebabs, scoop up dips and line the pot for plov. This home version is cooked on a hot dry skillet instead of a clay oven. The dough is only flour, water and salt, so rolling it thin and cooking it fast are what count. Wrap the stack in a towel and it stays pliable for hours.
Instructions
- Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the water and knead for 8 to 10 minutes into a smooth, firm dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 balls of about 95 g (3.3 oz) each and keep them covered with a towel.
- Roll each ball on a floured surface into a thin oval or round about 30 cm (12 in) across, 1 to 2 mm (1/16 in) thick.
- Heat a large heavy skillet, or an upturned wok, over high heat until very hot. Leave it dry, with no oil.
- Lay a flatbread in the pan and cook for 30 to 40 seconds until bubbles form, then flip and cook for 30 seconds more, until it has light brown spots. Do not overcook or it turns crisp.
- Stack the finished breads in a clean towel to keep them soft. Serve warm, or cool and store wrapped.
Tips
- If the dough springs back while rolling, cover it and rest for 5 minutes. Relaxed gluten rolls out thinner without tearing.
- To soften day-old lavash, sprinkle it with a little water and wrap it in a damp towel for 10 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze lavash?
Yes. Stack cooled breads with baking paper between them and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm in a dry pan for a few seconds.
What is lavash used for in Azerbaijan?
It wraps kebabs, scoops up yogurt and dips, lines the plov pot to form the crust, and is torn into piti. It is a staple at most meals.
Can I bake lavash in the oven?
Yes. Bake it on a preheated baking sheet at 250°C (480°F) for 2 to 3 minutes, until puffed and spotted, then wrap it in a towel.
How long does it take to make Lavaş (Azerbaijani Thin Flatbread)?
About 1 h in total: 40 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Lavaş (Azerbaijani Thin Flatbread)?
About 220 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 220 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 440 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
