Armenian Lavash Bread

Lavash, a traditional Armenian flatbread, holds a significant place in the country's culinary heritage.

It is a flat, very thin wafer, typically 2-5 millimeters thick and round-shaped. It generally adheres to a standard size, with a typical length of 90-110 centimeters, a width of 40-50 centimeters, and a weight not exceeding 250 grams

This unleavened flatbread is crafted from simple ingredients: flour, water, and salt. The dough is rolled thin and stretched over a cushion before being baked in a clay tandoor, resulting in a thin, flexible bread with a delightful crispiness.

Lavash is individually spread out until it cools down, after which it is stacked on top of each other, often arranged in 8-10 rows. When exposed to open air, lavash dries rapidly and can remain dry for an extended period, surpassing one year.

AI generated image of Armenian woman baking lavash

Lavash Bread Recipe:

Crafting the perfect Lavash bread at home requires just a few ingredients and some patience. Here's a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup water

Instructions:

Mix flour and salt in a bowl.

Gradually add water, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth.

Divide the dough into small balls and let them rest for about 30 minutes.

Roll out each ball into a thin sheet.

Bake on a hot griddle or in a preheated oven until it puffs up and turns golden. But for a perfect lavash one of course needs a clay tandoor!

Lavash Wraps:

Lavash's versatility extends beyond being a standalone bread. It serves as an ideal wrap, bringing together lunchtime classics such as turkey cold cuts, goat cheese, and a vibrant blend of veggies and greens in Lavash bread. Whether crafting a Mediterranean-inspired wrap with fresh vegetables, hummus, and feta, or opting for a savory wrap with grilled meats and tzatziki, Lavash provides a delicious and pliable canvas for culinary creativity.

Eduard Artsrunyan. Fresh Lavash (1971)

Women baking or carrying lavash is a common theme that has inspired Armenian painters.

Lavash as a symbol

Lavash is considered a symbol of family and abundance in Armenia. Traditionally, during weddings, the groom's mother throws lavash on the shoulders of the newlyweds, symbolizing the wish that the young couple will always live in abundance and togetherness.

Lavash Bread Calories:

A 100-gram serving of Armenian Lavash bread contains approximately 281 calories.

Where to Buy Lavash Bread:

Armenian Lavash bread is readily available at Armenian, Middle Eastern, and Persian markets throughout the country.