Categories: Breads & Boregs

Breads: Armenian-style, and a Lavash story by Andrew Janjigian

‘Bread is the Staff of Life’. Who hasn’t heard that phrase before?

Life-sustaining Armenian breads come in various shapes, sizes, textures, and tastes.
The most notable Armenian bread is the national favorite – Lavash which ranges in texture from soft and pliable to crisp and cracker-like. It’s so versatile, it can be used as a utensil, plate, or even a napkin!

Soft, pliable lavash was used in making wraps way before wraps became a popular food item elsewhere around the world!

In addition to Lavash, other Armenian breads of note are Matnakash– an oval bread with symbolic indentations on the top; Bokon, small, round bread thicker than lavash; Armenian Cracker Bread; various types of Chorag (or choreg) which can be savory or sweet, made into rolls or loaves; Koolunja – an old-fashioned version of chorag; and seasonal or specialty breads such as Tahini Bread, Banerov Hatz, and Dare Hats – to name a few!

An interesting article about Lavash appeared in Serious Eats which caught my eye because it was written by Andrew Janjigian, an extremely talented, passionate, serious author and baker.

I first learned of Andrew from his brother Dan “Jiggy’ Janjigian, whose kofte recipe can be found right here!
After this introduction, I immediately signed up for Andrew’s informative weekly ‘breaducational email’ called Wordloaf.

Andrew was kind enough to permit The Armenian Kitchen to share his Lavash article containing his recipe, and photo(s), with you!

At first glance, one might think this depicted pita bread baking in the oven. But, no! Andrew confirmed that this is the lavash which ‘puffs up like pita’ in the oven! (Photo credit: Andrew Janjigian)

Recent Posts

Easter Menu Planning? Look no further!

  I don’t know about you, but in our family, we’re all about tradition when…

6 days ago

St. Sarkis Day and 3 celebratory recipes

It’s that time of year again! St. Sarkis Day, the moveable feast day on the…

2 months ago

A Traditional Recipe for Armenian Christmas Eve – Nevik

Way back in 2010 Ara Kassabian shared his family’s recipe for Nevik with The Armenian…

3 months ago

Thanksgiving Recipes Revisited

With Thanksgiving Day just hours away, I thought I’d share a few of our favorite,…

4 months ago

George Mardikian’s Chicken Tchakhokhbelli recipe, dish favored by Georgian princes.

My family and I had the distinct honor of meeting George Mardikian at his restaurant,…

9 months ago

Antonio Tahhan and his recipe for Kbeibat, Middle Eastern dumplings

My first encounter with Antonio (Tony) Tahhan, the Syrian-American food writer, researcher, and storyteller, spans…

9 months ago

This website uses cookies. find out more.