Description
Croatian Lepinja is a soft, airy flatbread traditionally served with grilled meats like ćevapi or sausages. Featuring a pillowy texture and a lightly crisp exterior, this rustic bread is simple to make and perfect for soaking up savory juices or stuffing with your favorite fillings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, yogurt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a dough hook attachment on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Surface: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or a heavy baking sheet inside the oven to heat thoroughly.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Gently shape each piece into a round, flat disk approximately ¾ inch thick. Place the disks on a floured surface and cover loosely with a towel. Let rest for 20–30 minutes.
- Bake Lepinja: Carefully transfer the dough disks onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the bread puffs up and the tops are lightly golden.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Right after baking, brush the warm lepinja with melted butter or olive oil for extra softness and flavor.
- Serve: Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing or serve warm alongside your favorite grilled meats or fillings.
Notes
- For extra puffiness, mist the oven with water just before baking to create steam.
- Yogurt contributes to the softness of the bread but can be substituted with milk or water if needed.
- Lepinja is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen and reheated without losing much of its texture.
