Details Regarding Armenian Lavash Bread

By Kathrine Franks


There are many dishes and styles of cooking that are associated with various regions and cultures worldwide. Many people have a fond appreciation for the foods they grew up eating, especially those associated with their heritage. Lavash is the name given to a type of flatbread that originated in Armenia but is eaten in many regions. This Armenian lavash bread may be homemade or available at various restaurants and stores around the world, including in Los Angeles CA.

Lavash is a soft, thin flatbread. It is unleavened and made in tandoor. It is eaten in many parts of the world, especially Caucasus, Western Asia and areas located around the Caspian Sea. This is the most common type of bread in Iran, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The key ingredients needed to make this recipe are water, flour and salt. Thickness of the food will depend on how well it is rolled. Poppy or sesame seeds can be added on top before the bread is set to bake in the clay oven.

The traditional way to make this is by rolling the dough out flat. It can then be slapped against the hot, clay oven walls. When eaten fresh, it is pliable. It does not take long for this to dry out and become more brittle and crispy. The softer version is often used for making wrap sandwiches. When dried, this can be stored for up to a year and may take the place of leavened bread when it comes to Eucharist traditions of the church.

In villages of Armenia, it is common to see stacks of this dried flatbread. Prior to eating it, sprinkling some water over this can rehydrate it and make the bread flexible again. Dried lavash is often used for quick meals and can be quickly rehydrated. It might also be broken into pieces and included in a khash recipe.

Fresh lavash is often used for wraps that contain cheese and herbs. In Turkey, Iran and other parts of the middle east, this bread is used with kebabs to make special wraps. This is recognized as a staple of the Armenian diet. Lavase is another term used for the bread in Kashmir. This is a basic food that Kashmiri people eat regularly with breakfast. The Kashmir tradition is to give it to people, including relatives, friends and neighbors, as a good omen and symbol of abundance of food.

Many Armenian painters have works featuring women baking this bread. A popular portrait of this kind was done by a famous painter from the Soviet era known as Minas Minassian. This piece is on display at the National Museum of Art located in Yerevan. The print by Armenian-American Manual Tolegian titled Armenian Ladies Baking Lavash was chosen by President Gerald Ford to hand in the White House bicentennial collection. Lavash-related art is common in this culture.

There are many different recipes that incorporate this food. People can search online for various recipes or may follow one that has been passed down to them through family. This food item is versatile and can be used in a number of dishes. Whether dried to be crisp or fresh and soft, this type of flatbread is a staple in the cuisine of Asia and is well-liked by people all around the globe.




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