Armenian bread
Description
The baking is simple and quick. If you love lavash, you should definitely try making Armenian "Matnakash" bread at home. It's very tender with a crispy golden crust, perfect as an accompaniment to soups or meat dishes, as well as for breakfast or a picnic. Although the process takes quite some time, the recipe is very easy. Serve warm or cooled. Ideal with tea.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
1. The recipe for Armenian "Matnakash" bread begins with a starter. Put yeast into warm water and dissolve. Sift half of the flour, add it to the water, and mix. Leave in a warm place for a couple of hours.
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Step 2
2. Sift the remaining flour with salt into a deep bowl. Add sugar and place the sponge starter in the bowl. Knead the dough for at least 15–20 minutes until it becomes smooth and uniform. Then cover the bowl and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise, then punch it down and repeat the rising process once again.
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Step 3
3. As a result, the dough will rise about three times and become airy. It is very important to choose good fresh yeast, otherwise you may simply ruin homemade Armenian "Matnakash" bread.
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Step 4
4. Roll the dough into a ball (you can divide it into 2-3 portions) and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, put a spoonful of flour into a small bowl and mix it with cold water until it reaches a jelly-like consistency.
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Step 5
5. Now comes the most interesting part – shaping the bread. Prepare a heatproof baking dish, lightly greased with vegetable oil. Place the dough ball onto it and stretch it with your hands (constantly wetting your hands in the flour slurry) into a flatbread. Use your fingers to make indentations.
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Step 6
6. When the loaf is ready, let it rest and rise for about half an hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220 degrees and prepare a baking tray with water. Place it at the bottom of the oven so the bread bakes as if on steam. Put the loaf in the oven for about 15–25 minutes (depending on size).
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Step 7
7. That's the whole secret of how to make Armenian "Matnakash" bread. It turns out very delicious!