Lepinja Recipes

LEPINJA

Steps:

• In mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients except salt. Using the hook accessory, knead on medium speed and gradually incorporate milk and water.
• After a couple minutes, incorporate salt. Knead for 5 minutes at low speed and 3 minutes at medium speed until the dough gets a little sticky.
• Place the dough in a large container, cover and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, until it doubles in size.
• On a floured surface, work the dough with the palm of your hands for a couple minutes, then put it in the large container, cover and let it rise in a warm place for another 45 minutes.
• Divide the dough into pieces of approximately ½ lb (230g). On a floured surface, work each piece of dough with the palm of your hands again, then form balls and let rise for 10 minutes.
• Flatten each piece of dough with the palm of the hand. If necessary, finish with a roll pin to level but without much pressure. Cut slits on each loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set aside for 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 410F/210C. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Lower the temperature to 300F/150C, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
• Take the lepinja out of the oven, wrap the loaves with a cloth and let them cool off for 10 minutes so the crust softens.

LEPINJA (BALKAN FLATBREAD)

Steps:

• Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam. Stir the warm water and sugar into the yeast mixture.
• Stir the flour and salt together in a separate bowl; add all but about 1/2 cup of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture; mix with your hands until a soft dough forms, adding the last of the flour mixture a little at a time until it clears the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a light cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F (27 to 35 degrees C)) until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate, or 'punch down,' the dough and turn out onto a work surface lightly dusted with flour; knead for about 5 minutes. Return the dough to the bowl, cover again with a light cloth, and allow the dough to again rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes more.
• Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
• Deflate the dough and turn turn out onto a work surface lightly dusted with flour; knead lightly. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet; shape into an oval about 1/2-inch thick. Set aside to rise a third time for about 30 minutes.
• Bake in the preheated oven until nicely browned and hollow sounding when thumped, 20 to 25 minutes.