Καθαρή Δευτέρα~ Clean Monday as we call it in our Greek culture. (Read more about Kathari Deftera here.)

Every year on clean Monday, which is tomorrow February 19th we enjoy this delicious lagana~ λαγάνα bread. I made my first ever youtube video 3 years ago, which is on lagana bread. 🙂 I hope you enjoy, and please let me know if you have tried this recipe.

Watch video here 

Lagana Bread Recipe

Jazz up your lagana bread with fresh herbs, or dip into olive oil and vinegar dressing. This bread is very similar to focaccia bread, which is one of my most favorite Italian breads.

Ingredients:

• 3 packets of active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 7 cups of bread flour
• 2 1/4 cups of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of sea salt
• 5 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1/3 cup of olive oil (Preferably Greek olive oil)
• Sesame seeds

Method:

1. In a small bowl dissolve the yeast, sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and warm water and mix. Let mixture sit until you see bubbles. Approximately 15 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, and salt. Whisk to combine. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter. (You can use olive oil in replacement of butter.)
3. Add the yeast mixture and mix up to 8 minutes. Making sure the dough is soft and pliable.
4. Shape dough into a ball, and let rest into a lightly greased bowl covered. I let mine rest for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. When the dough has doubled, remove from bowl and knead onto a lightly floured surface.
6. Divide the dough into 2 balls. Roll out the lagana dough into a large oval shape. (See my video for more info.) Place lagana on two lightly greased baking sheets.
7. Cover and let rest for 1 hour. Lightly run your fingers through the dough making
8. Using your fingers, poke down onto the lagana making indents.
9. Brush with olive oil and sesame seeds. Bake at 450 degrees until golden brown in color. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Kali Orexi

In the news!! I received some really wonderful feedback the past few weeks on my recipes and thank you!

Growing up in a very Greek household I was taught by my yiayia and father who are from Mani, how to make most of my Greek recipes. If you find or question why I might add an ingredient that doesn’t seem common to you in your kitchen, that is fine. Keep in mind Greece is made up of over 6,000 islands, of which only 227 are inhabited.  Depending on the region you are from in Greece I almost certain our recipes will be quite different from each other. 🙂 This is the BEAUTY of Greek food. 

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