LAGANA – CLEAN MONDAY SESAME FLATBREAD

As the season of Lent approaches, Greeks eagerly anticipate the arrival of Lagana bread—a culinary delight deeply rooted in tradition and flavor. Lagana bread holds a special place in Greek culture, as it is traditionally enjoyed on Clean Monday, marking the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.

A Symbol of Tradition and Renewal: Lagana bread is more than just a delicious treat; it symbolizes renewal and the start of a spiritual journey.

Its origins date back to ancient times when it was prepared as an offering to the gods during the festival of Dionysia.

Today, it remains a cherished symbol of tradition and the promise of new beginnings.

Simple Ingredients, Exquisite Taste: The beauty of Lagana bread lies in its simplicity. Made from basic ingredients including flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt, this humble bread is transformed into a culinary masterpiece through careful preparation and skillful baking. The dough is often adorned with sesame seeds, adding a delightful crunch and aroma to each bite.

A Feast for the Senses: As Lagana bread bakes in the oven, the kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread, invoking a sense of warmth and comfort. Once out of the oven, its golden crust crackles invitingly, promising a moment of pure indulgence with every slice.

Sharing Traditions, Creating Memories: In Greek households, the preparation of Lagana bread is a cherished tradition, passed down through generations.

Families gather in the kitchen, kneading dough and shaping loaves, sharing stories and laughter as they anticipate the feast to come.

Whether enjoyed with a spread of olives and cheese or as an accompaniment to hearty soups and stews, Lagana bread brings people together, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

A Taste of Greece, Wherever You Are: While traditionally enjoyed on Clean Monday, Lagana bread’s irresistible flavor and rich symbolism make it a beloved treat year-round. Whether you find yourself in a bustling Greek bakery or attempting to recreate the magic in your own kitchen, Lagana bread offers a taste of Greece’s rich culinary heritage, inviting you to savor each moment and embrace the spirit of tradition and renewal.

Ingredients:

4 cups bread flour

2 teaspoons instant yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups warm water

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the warm water, olive oil, and honey.

Mix until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.

Shape each portion into a rectangular or oval-shaped loaf.

Place the loaves onto the prepared baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

When they have risen, use your index finger to make indentations all over the dough. This gives the “lagana” its characteristic appearance.

If desired, brush the tops of the loaves with water and sprinkle sesame seeds over them.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.