Lepinja is a traditional Serbian flatbread that is soft and chewy, perfect for serving with grilled meats, spreads, or as a sandwich bread. This homemade lepinja recipe will guide you through the process of making this delicious bread from scratch. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Serbian cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, vegetable oil, and yogurt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- 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.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls.
- On a floured surface, flatten each ball into an oval shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Transfer the flattened dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the lepinja in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the lepinja from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Interesting Facts
Lepinja is a popular bread in the Balkans and is often used for making traditional cevapcici, a grilled minced meat dish.
In Serbian cuisine, lepinja is also commonly served as a side dish with stews or used as a base for pizza-like toppings.
The addition of yogurt in this recipe helps to make the bread extra soft and tender.