Ingredients
Method
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. If using yeast, dissolve it in the warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. If not using yeast, just use warm water.
- Make a well in the flour and pour in the water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be quite soft and slightly sticky.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This rest is crucial for easy rolling.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a large baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat up.
- Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. On a well-floured surface, roll each piece as thin as possible with a rolling pin, then gently stretch by hand until nearly translucent. The sheet should be roughly 12-14 inches across. Don't worry about perfect shapes or small holes.
- Carefully transfer one sheet to the hot baking sheet using your hands or a large spatula. Bake for 2-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy with bubbled spots. It should sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove and cool on a wire rack. The lavash will continue crisping as it cools and should crackle. Repeat with remaining dough sheets.
- Break into irregular pieces to serve, or store whole sheets in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
For extra flavor, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds before baking. If the dough springs back while rolling, let it rest another 10 minutes. Lavash can be made ahead and stored airtight for several days. To re-crisp, warm in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.
