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

Every year on Clean Monday, which is tomorrow March 18th we enjoy this delicious lagana~ λαγάνα bread. I made my first ever YouTube video years ago, which is on Lagana bread. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it, and please let me know if you have tried this recipe.

Watch video here

Lagana Bread Recipe

Servings: 2 loaves

This bread is very similar to focaccia bread, which is one of my most favorite Italian breads.

Please read notes!

Ingredients:

• 3 packets of active dry yeast or 21 grams of yeast (each packet has 2 1/4 tsp)
• 2 tablespoons of honey or granulated sugar
• 7 cups of bread flour
• 2 1/2 cups of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of sea salt
• 5 tablespoons of olive oil or you can use vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup of olive oil or vegetable oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil)
• Sesame seeds

Method:

1. In a small bowl dissolve the yeast, honey or sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and warm water and mix. Let the mixture sit until you see bubbles. Approximately 10-12 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, and salt. Whisk to combine. Make a well in the center and add 5 tablespoons of olive oil.
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 it rest into a lightly greased bowl covered. I let mine rest for 2 hours, or until doubled in size. You should see bubbles and stretches in the dough.
5. When the dough has doubled, remove it from the bowl and knead it 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 the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve with hummus, skordalia, or any dips of your choice.

Optional: You can add or remove sesame seeds. This is up to you.

If you want to use melted butter in replacement of olive oil for (5 tablespoons of olive oil) that’s fine. Another good replacement is almond butter. I used almond butter in my most recent Lagana loaves and it works really well.

Use any herbs you like to add flavor! I love basil, rosemary, oregano, and thyme.

Jazz up your Lagana with Kalamata olives & sundried tomatoes.

I hope you enjoy it! Don’t forget to tag us on social media using #cookingwithkouzounaskitchen.

Kali Orexi