Best Armenian Cracker Bread Recipes

Armenian cracker bread is a traditional flatbread that has been enjoyed for centuries in the Armenian cuisine. It is often referred to as lavash, which means "slap" in Armenian, as the dough is traditionally slapped onto the walls of a clay oven to bake. This bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack or used as a component in many different dishes. Unlike most flatbreads, Armenian cracker bread is a crisp, thin, and light bread that features an airy texture and a nutty flavor. In this article, we'll explore the history of Armenian cracker bread and its features, how it's made, and some of its popular recipes.

The History and Features of Armenian Cracker Bread

Armenian cracker bread has been a staple food in Armenia for centuries. It's a simple bread that's made using just a few ingredients, including flour, water, and salt. It's known for its thin and crispy texture, and it's typically baked using a clay oven called a tonir. This oven is preheated with blazing hot coals, and the bread is slapped onto the sides of the oven using a long wooden paddle. The bread cooks quickly and evenly thanks to the intense heat of the oven. One of the stand-out features of Armenian cracker bread is its unique texture. When baked, the bread becomes thin and light, with a slight cracker-like crunch to it. It's incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including wraps, sandwiches, and salads. It's a healthy option as it's naturally low in fat and high in fiber.

How Armenian Cracker Bread is Made

To make Armenian cracker bread, you'll primarily need just three ingredients: flour, water, and salt. Mix the ingredients together, then knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. Once you've formed the dough, let it rest in a warm place for about an hour to allow it to rise. Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls and use a rolling pin to create flat rounds. Traditionally, the dough is then slapped onto the walls of a clay oven, but you can achieve similar results by baking the bread on a baking sheet in a regular oven. Bake the bread until it has turned a light golden color and is crispy and slightly puffed up. Once the bread is done, it's ready to be enjoyed.

Popular Armenian Cracker Bread Recipes

As previously mentioned, Armenian cracker bread is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few popular recipes using Armenian cracker bread:

Armenian Cracker Bread Pizza

Ingredients: - Armenian cracker bread - Tomato sauce - Mozzarella cheese - Toppings (such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.) Instructions: 1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. 2. Lay your Armenian cracker bread on a baking sheet or pizza stone. 3. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bread. 4. Add your toppings of choice. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. 6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. 7. Slice and serve!

Armenian Cracker Bread Salad

Ingredients: - Armenian cracker bread - Mixed salad greens - Cherry tomatoes - Cucumbers - Red onion - Feta cheese - Balsamic vinaigrette Instructions: 1. Tear the Armenian cracker bread into bite-sized pieces. 2. In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. 3. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top. 4. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. 5. Toss everything together until well mixed. 6. Add the torn Armenian cracker bread pieces and mix again. 7. Serve and enjoy!

Armenian Cracker Bread Wraps

Ingredients: - Armenian cracker bread - Hummus - Grilled chicken slices - Red pepper - Cucumber - Spinach Instructions: 1. Spread a generous amount of hummus onto the Armenian cracker bread. 2. Add sliced grilled chicken, red pepper, cucumber, and spinach. 3. Roll up the bread, being careful not to tear it, to create a wrap. 4. Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Armenian cracker bread is a traditional and versatile flatbread that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its unique texture and flavor make it a great addition to a variety of dishes. Whether you're making a pizza, salad, or wrap, Armenian cracker bread is sure to be a hit with your taste buds. Try incorporating this bread into your next meal to enjoy a taste of Armenian cuisine!

Armenian cracker bread, also referred to as lavash, is a traditional Armenian flatbread that is crispy and delicious. The bread is made by mixing flour, water, and salt, then spreading the dough thinly and baking it in a hot oven or on a hot stone. There are many different types of Armenian cracker bread recipes, but they all share common traits, such as the unique texture and flavor that make them so beloved by Armenians and others around the world. To help you make the best Armenian cracker bread possible, we’ve compiled a list of valuable tips to keep in mind as you prepare this delicious dish.

Tip #1: Use high-quality flour

The quality of the flour you use will have a significant impact on the final outcome of your Armenian cracker bread. Many avid bakers recommend choosing flour that has a protein content of at least 10 to 12 percent, as this will help create a dough with just the right consistency and texture. Using a high-quality flour can help ensure that your bread is crispy, nicely risen, and evenly baked.

Tip #2: Work with room-temperature ingredients

Another important factor to consider when making Armenian cracker bread is the temperature of your ingredients. Ideally, you should bring your flour and other ingredients to room temperature before mixing them together. This will help ensure that the dough rises evenly and produces a light, crispy, and flavorful bread.

Tip #3: Use a hot oven or stone

One of the most important steps in making Armenian cracker bread is baking the dough in a hot oven or on a hot stone. This will help produce a crispy and evenly baked bread. A temperature between 450 to 500℉ is ideal for baking cracker bread, as this will help create a gorgeous golden crust without drying out the bread too much.

Tip #4: Watch the baking time carefully

Baking time is a crucial factor when making Armenian cracker bread. This is because the bread can easily over- or under-cook depending on the particular recipe, the dough's thickness, and the type of oven or stone you use. To avoid any baking disasters, be sure to watch the baking time carefully and refer to your recipe's recommended baking time as a guide.

Tip #5: Experiment with adding flavors and toppings

While traditional Armenian cracker bread is made with only flour, water, and salt, you can easily add new flavors and toppings to create a unique and exciting twist on the classic recipe. Some popular additions include sesame seeds, herbs, spices, and even cheese or vegetables. Be sure to experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences.

Tip #6: Consider using a bread machine or mixer

While traditional Armenian cracker bread is made by hand, using a bread machine or mixer can help make the process easier and more efficient. A bread machine can help you create a consistent and even dough quickly and easily, while a mixer can help speed up the kneading process and produce a smooth and elastic dough. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the final product may differ slightly compared to handmade dough.

Tip #7: Don't be afraid to adjust the recipe to your liking

Finally, when making Armenian cracker bread, don't be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your individual preferences. You can add more or less salt, play with the ratio of water to flour, or even tweak the baking time or temperature to produce the perfect loaf. Not every recipe is right for every baker, so feel free to experiment and create a recipe that works best for you.

Conclusion

Armenian cracker bread is a beloved traditional Armenian flatbread that is crispy, delicious, and versatile. By using high-quality flour, working with room-temperature ingredients, and baking the dough in a hot oven or stone, you can produce a crispy and evenly baked bread. Additionally, experimenting with new flavors and toppings, using a bread machine or mixer, and adjusting the recipe to suit your preferences can help you make amazing Armenian cracker bread that you and your loved ones will savor for years to come.