How to make
The Greek Lagana Bread is prepared on the first day of Easter fasts or on the day of the so-called clean Monday.
It is traditionally a flat bread and its shape is oval, being long in its original size, but at home instead of one big one, two smaller and shorter breads are prepared. We do this for obvious reasons regarding the size of the average oven in any household.
Traditionally, this bread is unleavened, but over the years it began to be made with yeast or sourdough.
Its fluffy and soft interior is surrounded by a crispy and hard crust, and to achieve this effect, we must have a soft dough and use good flour. The best option is to mix a regular white type 00 with a durum wheat 50/50. Other ratios are welcome, but keep in mind that different flours have different liquid absorption capabilities.
For easier kneading, use a mixer with dough attachments. Pour the flour and salt into the bowl and make a well.
Activate the yeast in the slightly warmed water with the sugar. When it has activated, pour it into the well along with the olive oil and beat for 5 to 7 minutes or until you have a smooth, soft and elastic dough.
You will be able to tell whether it is necessary to add a little more liquid or flour - by touching the dough you will know what it needs, as we mentioned that different types of flour have different liquid absorption capabilities.
Leave the well-kneaded dough in the bowl to rise for 50 minutes, covered with a towel.
Divide it into two parts and form it into elongated oval and thin loaves up to 0.8″ (2 cm) or one larger one. Do this directly on the greased baking tray or on a layer of baking paper.
With a wooden skewer, make deep holes in the surface.
Spread the bread with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds and, if desired, black cumin. Leave it to rise again for about 30 minutes.
Put the tray in a 390°F (200°C) oven and bake until golden brown.
Cool the Greek breads on a wire rack and break them up at your table.
In addition to the traditional occasion, this wonderful bread is also very suitable for serving on any festive occasion, or when you have a nice meal to accompany it with.
Enjoy your meal!
