Persian lavash is a traditional flatbread that has been a staple in Iranian cuisine for centuries. Its thin, delicate texture and versatility make it a popular choice for many dishes, from sandwiches to wraps to appetizers. In this article, we will take a closer look at this beloved recipe and learn how to make it at home. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with all the necessary steps to create a perfect batch of Persian lavash.
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Freshly Ground Pepper, Sea Salt, Extra Virgin
Lavash flatbread is a traditional Middle Eastern bread that is perfect for making wraps, sandwiches, or pizzas. It is thin and pliable, making it easy to roll and stuff with your favorite fillings. You can find lavash bread in most grocery stores, or you can make your own at home. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including our top 20 beer can chicken recipes.
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Low Carb Cheesy Herb and Onion Lavash Bread
Main Ingredients: Parmesan Cheese, Butter, Rosemary, Thyme, Crushed Red
If you're on a low-carb diet, this recipe is for you. This lavash bread is made with almond flour and psyllium husk, making it low in carbohydrates but still full of flavor. The addition of cheese, herbs, and onions gives it a delicious savory taste that pairs perfectly with our beer can chicken recipes. You can enjoy this bread on its own or use it to make a tasty sandwich or wrap.
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Mediterranean Lavash Pinwheel Roll Ups
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Hummus, Cucumber, Black Olives, Grape Tomatoes
These Mediterranean lavash pinwheel roll ups are perfect for a party or as a quick and easy lunch option. They are made with a combination of hummus, feta cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, and spinach rolled up in lavash bread. The result is a flavorful and colorful dish that is sure to impress. Serve these pinwheels alongside our beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Mediterranean Lavash Nachos
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil Spray, Lavash, Cannellini Beans, White
Nachos are always a crowd-pleaser, and these Mediterranean lavash nachos are no exception. Instead of using traditional tortilla chips, this recipe uses lavash bread cut into triangles and baked until crispy. The lavash chips are then topped with chickpeas, olives, feta cheese, and a homemade yogurt sauce for a Mediterranean twist on a classic dish. These nachos make a great appetizer or snack to enjoy while waiting for your beer can chicken to cook.
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Crisp Lavash with Zaatar
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Zaatar
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that is made up of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a delicious and unique flavor to any dish, including lavash bread. In this recipe, the lavash is sprinkled with zaatar and toasted until crispy. You can enjoy this crisp lavash on its own or use it as a base for dips or spreads, such as hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki. It's a great addition to any beer can chicken meal.
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Lavash Samosa Chaat Roll
Main Ingredients: Salt, Turmeric, Chilli Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander
Samosas are a popular Indian snack that is typically deep-fried and filled with a savory filling. In this recipe, we take a healthier approach by using lavash bread as the wrapper and baking it until crispy. The filling is made with potatoes, peas, and Indian spices and is topped with a tangy and spicy chaat sauce. These samosa chaat rolls make a tasty and unique side dish to serve with your beer can chicken.
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Vegetarian Lavash Pizza
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Fresh Basil, Olive Oil, Fresh Mozzarella, Pizza
If you're looking for a vegetarian option to pair with your beer can chicken, this lavash pizza is a great choice. It's made with a crispy lavash crust and topped with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a homemade tomato sauce. You can customize the toppings to your liking and even add some shredded or diced beer can chicken for a protein boost. This pizza is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Savory Lavash Crackers
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Olive Oil, Dukkah Spice Blend
These savory lavash crackers are a great snack to enjoy while waiting for your beer can chicken to cook. They are made with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a variety of spices for a flavorful and crunchy bite. You can serve them with dips or spreads, or simply enjoy them on their own. These crackers are also a great addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.
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Cheesy Carrot Lavash Wraps
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Carrot, Onion, Garlic, Cumin, Kosher
These cheesy carrot lavash wraps are a delicious and healthy option to serve with your beer can chicken. The lavash is filled with a mixture of shredded carrots, cheese, and a variety of spices and baked until warm and gooey. These wraps are a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your meal and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
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Whole Wheat Herbed Lavash
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, Salt, Dried Parsley, Dried Oregano
If you prefer to use whole wheat flour in your cooking, this recipe is for you. This whole wheat herbed lavash is made with a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour, giving it a heartier texture and nuttier flavor. It's also packed with fresh herbs and garlic, which adds a delicious and fragrant aroma to the bread. This lavash is a great accompaniment to any beer can chicken recipe.
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Low Carb Lavash Crackers
Main Ingredients: Flax, Lavash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper
If you're watching your carbohydrate intake, these low carb lavash crackers are a great option. They are made with almond flour, flaxseed meal, and a variety of spices for a flavorful and crunchy snack. These crackers are perfect for dipping into hummus, salsa, or guacamole, and they make a great addition to your beer can chicken meal.
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Chicken Apricot Lavash Casserole
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Greek Yogurt, Garlic Cloves, Dried Apricots
This chicken apricot lavash casserole is a delicious and unique way to enjoy your beer can chicken. It's made with shredded beer can chicken, apricots, almonds, and a creamy yogurt sauce layered between sheets of lavash bread. The result is a flavorful and comforting casserole that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Roasted Vegetable and Hummus Grilled Lavash Wrap
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Broccoli Florets, Cauliflower, Yellow Onion
This grilled lavash wrap is loaded with roasted vegetables, hummus, and feta cheese for a healthy and flavorful meal. The lavash is grilled until warm and crispy, making it the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings. You can customize the vegetables and add in chicken or your favorite protein for a more filling wrap. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Lavash Pizza with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella
This lavash pizza is packed with Mediterranean flavors, including artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. The lavash is topped with a homemade tomato sauce and baked until crispy and bubbly. This pizza is a great option for a quick and easy dinner that pairs perfectly with our beer can chicken recipes.
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Green Bean Lavash Salad with Sweet Tahini Dressing
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Green Beans, Dried Figs, Curly Parsley, Lemon
This green bean lavash salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish to enjoy with your beer can chicken. The beans are tossed in a sweet and tangy tahini dressing and topped with crumbled feta cheese and toasted almonds. This salad is packed with flavor and nutrients and is a great way to add some greens to your meal.
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Smoked Salmon Lavash Wrap with Spicy Greens, Fresh...
Main Ingredients: Lavash, Savory, Dill Cream Cheese Spread, Greens
Smoked salmon is a popular topping for bagels, but have you tried it in a lavash wrap? This recipe combines smoked salmon with spicy greens, fresh herbs, and creamy cream cheese for a flavorful and satisfying wrap. It's a great option for a light lunch or a quick and easy dinner to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
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Easy Lavash Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Milk, Vegetable Oil, Granulated Sugar
If you've never made lavash bread before, this recipe is a great place to start. It's a simple and easy recipe that requires just a few basic ingredients, including flour, water, yeast, and salt. The result is a soft and pliable bread that is perfect for making wraps, sandwiches, or pizzas. You can also use this lavash bread to make some of our other top 20 beer can chicken recipes.
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Crispy Lavash Bread Chips
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Flour, White Sesame Seeds, Nigella Seeds
If you have leftover lavash bread, don't throw it away. Turn it into crispy lavash bread chips instead. Simply cut the lavash into triangles, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Bake until crispy and enjoy as a snack or dipper for your favorite dips. These chips are also a great addition to a bowl of soup or salad.
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Armenia ❀ Harissa (Chicken Porridge) and Lavash Bread
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Kernels, Water, Butter, Ground Paprika
Harissa is a traditional Armenian dish that is similar to porridge and is typically made with chicken, rice, and lentils. In this recipe, we use shredded beer can chicken instead of fresh chicken for a quicker and easier version. The harissa is served with lavash bread for dipping and scooping up all the delicious flavors. This dish is hearty and comforting, making it a great option for a cold winter day.
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Mediterranean Tacos
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Plain Greek Yogurt
Tacos are always a hit, and this Mediterranean twist on the classic recipe is no exception. These tacos are made with lavash bread, chicken, feta cheese, olives, and a homemade tzatziki sauce. They are filled with delicious and fresh flavors and are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
The History of Persian Lavash
The Origins
The history of Persian lavash dates back to ancient Persia, where it was first created as a way to preserve bread for long periods of time. In fact, the word "lavash" comes from the Persian word "la'vas" which means "something to wrap around." This flatbread was traditionally made by women in the villages, who would bake it on large, clay ovens called "tanoor." Over time, this recipe has evolved and spread to other countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, each with their own unique variations.
The Cultural Significance
Persian lavash is not just a food, it is a cultural symbol. In Iran, it is a common practice to break bread and share a meal with others. The process of making lavash is seen as a communal activity, where family and friends come together to bake and enjoy this delicious bread. It is also a staple during special occasions and holidays, such as Nowruz (Persian New Year) and Ramadan.
The Ingredients
The Flour
To make authentic Persian lavash, you will need to use a special type of flour called "gandana." This flour is made from hard wheat and is finely ground, giving the bread its unique texture and flavor. If you cannot find this specific flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
The Other Ingredients
Apart from flour, the other ingredients used in Persian lavash are water, salt, and yeast. Some recipes may also call for sugar or oil, but these are optional and can be left out without affecting the overall outcome of the bread.
The Preparation Process
Mixing the Dough
The first step in making Persian lavash is to mix the flour, salt, and yeast together in a large bowl. Slowly add water and mix until a soft and elastic dough is formed. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. Let it rest for about an hour, covered with a damp cloth.
Rolling and Baking
Once the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions and roll each one into a thin, round shape. Traditionally, Persian lavash is baked on a special griddle called "saj," but a regular skillet can also be used. Heat the skillet on medium-high heat and cook the lavash for about a minute on each side, until it is lightly golden and puffed up.
Storing and Serving
Persian lavash can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container or frozen for later use. To serve, you can cut it into smaller pieces and use it as a wrap or dip it in various sauces and spreads.
In Conclusion
Making Persian lavash is a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. This simple yet versatile flatbread has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved recipe in Iranian cuisine. With this guide, you can now create your own batch of delicious and authentic Persian lavash at home. So gather your loved ones and enjoy this cultural and culinary experience together.