Lagana (Greek Lenten Bread)

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~ Ingredients: ~ 4 cups of all-purpose flour ~ 1/2 cup of vegetable or olive oil ~ 2 teaspoons of dry yeast ~ 1/2 teaspoon of salt ~ 1 cup lukewarm water ~ Olive oil ~ 4-5 tablespoons of white sesame seeds ~ A few black sesame seeds

 

~ Place the yeast in 1 cup of warm water. ~ Leave it for 30 minutes until it foams. ~ In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. ~ Make a well in the center and add the yeast-water mix and oil. ~ With hands or a wooden spoon, mix to create a cohesive dough. ~ If needed, add a little more warm water. ~ On a floured surface, knead the dough until it no longer sticks to the hands and is soft and malleable. ~ Form into three flat loaves, round or rectangular, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. ~ Place on cookie baking pans, cover with a kitchen towel and let them stand for about 45 minutes until they are about doubled in size. ~ Poke the loaves in several places with fingers, brush lightly with oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds (approximately 1 tablespoon per loaf). ~ Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or at 180 Celsius for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. ~ Serve lagana the same day (Clean Monday) they are made, as they harden quickly. ~ If you are not planning to eat immediately, let it cool completely, wrap in airtight plastic bag, and freeze. ~ They will keep well in the freezer for several months. ~ Good luck, good eating and good Holidays.