Malvani Spiced Lepinja Bread

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Lepinja bread is infused with the bold and aromatic flavors of Malvani spices, giving it a unique twist. The original Balkan Lepinja bread is typically plain and served as a side dish, while the Malvani Spiced Lepinja Bread adds a burst of flavor to any meal and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack. We alse have the original recipe for Lepinja, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder 1 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water

Nutrition

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

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder.
2. 2.
   Add the vegetable oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   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 damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval-shaped bread.
7. 7.
   Place the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for 15 minutes.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Instant yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. If you're unsure, proof the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and waiting for it to become frothy before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder according to your preference.
• Serve the Malvani Spiced Lepinja Bread with Malvani fish curry or chicken curry for a complete Malvani meal.
• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast instead. Activate it by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the dough.
• To achieve a crispier crust, brush the bread with a mixture of water and oil before baking.
• Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.

Serving advice

Serve the Malvani Spiced Lepinja Bread warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a side dish with curries, stews, or grilled meats. It also makes a delicious base for sandwiches or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top of the bread before baking. This will add a touch of visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.