Homemade Balkan Lepinja Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) sugar 10g (2 tsp) sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds, for topping (optional) Sesame seeds, for topping (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 47g, 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval-shaped bread roll.
7. 7.
   Place the bread rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each roll.
8. 8.
   Bake the lepinja bread in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active to achieve a good rise in the bread. Check the expiration date and proof the yeast by activating it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more authentic flavor, you can brush the lepinja bread with water before baking to achieve a slightly chewy crust.
• Experiment with different toppings such as poppy seeds or dried herbs to add extra flavor to the bread.
• Serve the lepinja bread warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan Lepinja Bread as a side to traditional Balkan dishes like cevapi, pljeskavica, or sarma. It is also perfect for making sandwiches or dipping into soups and stews.

Presentation advice

Present the freshly baked lepinja bread on a rustic wooden board or a bread basket lined with a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an appealing visual touch.