Bosnian Lepinja Recipe
Lepinja is a traditional Bosnian flatbread that is soft, fluffy, and perfect for serving with various dishes, especially grilled meats and stews. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with dips. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Bosnian lepinja at home.
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (7g) dry yeast (or 25g fresh yeast)
- 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water (about 40°C or 100°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- Optional: sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions (about 6-8 pieces, depending on the desired size).
- Shape each piece into a ball and then flatten it gently with your hands to form a round flatbread, about 1-2 cm thick.
- Place the shaped lepinja on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Before baking, brush the tops of the lepinja with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the lepinja are golden brown and puffed up.
- Remove the lepinja from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Bosnian lepinja is perfect for accompanying grilled meats, stews, or simply enjoyed with yogurt or dips. It’s a versatile bread that adds a delightful touch to any meal.