| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 165 | 3.5g | 0.5g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 1g | 3g | 0.39g |
About Gluten-Free Lagana
Embracing dietary restrictions without compromising beloved culinary traditions is a challenge many food enthusiasts face. One such delicacy that caters to a gluten-free diet without sacrificing centuries-old tradition is the Gluten-Free Lagana. A traditional fixture of the annual Clean Monday celebration that marks the commencement of the Orthodox Christian Lent, this Greek flatbread has been reinvented in a gluten-free avatar much to the delight of diet-conscious foodies.
The Magic Behind Gluten-Free Lagana
This bread is an artistic blend of ingredients and techniques. The texture and flavor belie the fact that it’s a gluten-free variant. Substituting everyday flour with a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum imbues the bread with the regular fluff and softness, while the use of honey or sugar, dry yeast, and salt maintains its signature flavor.
Notably, the magic of Gluten-Free Lagana gets enhanced by creative add-ons. Warm water acts as the catalyst for the yeast to work its charm. The olive oil lends just the right amount of softness without making it too greasy. Apple cider vinegar introduces a subtle hint of tang that brings an interesting note to this bread. The finale of sprinkled sesame seeds on top gives it the anticipated crunch that balances out the overall soft, fluffy texture.
What Pairs Well with This Bread?
Gluten-Free Lagana is versatile and can easily be paired with a variety of dishes. For instance, it goes wonderfully well with hearty soups as it can effortlessly soak up the flavors. While it can happily sit along something as rich as a Greek Moussaka or as delicate as the Tzatziki yogurt dip, it can also hold its own when served with simple grilled vegetables or salads. In any pairing, this bread enhances the overall taste, ensuring every bite you take is one to remember.
So, whether you are just venturing into gluten-free bakes or an expert looking forward to honing your skills, this Gluten-Free Lagana is a must-try recipe. We assure you, it won’t just satisfy your palate but also further your love for baking.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 tablespoon xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t already contain it)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Method
Step One
Combine all your dry ingredients – 1.5 cups of gluten-free flour blend, 1/2 tablespoon of xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t already contain it), 1 teaspoon of dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt – in a large mixing bowl.
Step Two
In another bowl, mix together your wet ingredients – 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Step Three
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar into the wet ingredients.
Step Four
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients bowl while continuously stirring to make sure everything combines and forms a dough.
Step Five
Knead the dough until it is smooth and evenly mixed.
Step Six
After kneading, cover the dough and leave it to rise until it has approximately doubled in size. This usually takes around one hour.
Step Seven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step Eight
Once it has risen, roll out the dough on a baking sheet until it is roughly half an inch thick.
Step Nine
Brush the top of the dough with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle it with the 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds.
Step Ten
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the Lagana is golden brown on top. Allow it to cool before cutting and serving.
