Are you looking for a recipe to make Matnakash, the delicious bread from Armenia?
I’ve put together some information on how to get started below but I’d recommend that you join our waitlist to be notified when I publish the traditional Matnakash recipe and variations.
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Matnakash is a type of flatbread that originated in Armenia. It is a traditional leavened bread that is well-known for its soft and fluffy texture. What sets Matnakash apart is its unique pattern, which resembles the back of a turtle. The bread is typically round in shape and has a slightly crispy crust. It is often enjoyed as a staple food in Armenian cuisine and is commonly served alongside various dishes.
The history of Matnakash dates back centuries in Armenia. It has been a beloved bread in Armenian culture for generations. The name “Matnakash” is derived from the Armenian words “matna” meaning “soft” and “kash” meaning “bread.” The bread is made using simple ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, and water. The dough is kneaded and left to rise before being shaped into the distinctive turtle-like pattern. Matnakash is traditionally baked in a hot oven, resulting in a delicious bread that is perfect for tearing apart and enjoying.
The estimated cost to make this recipe for Matnakash flatbread is around $5. This cost includes the ingredients needed, such as flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water. These ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens or can be easily purchased at a local grocery store. The cost may vary depending on the brand and quality of the ingredients chosen.
The estimated time to make this Matnakash flatbread recipe is approximately 2 hours. This includes the time needed for the dough to rise and rest. The preparation time is relatively short, taking about 15 minutes to mix the ingredients and knead the dough. After that, the dough needs to rest for about 1 hour to allow it to rise. Once the dough has risen, it can be shaped into the distinctive turtle-like pattern and baked for about 20-25 minutes. Overall, this recipe requires a few hours of time, but the end result is a delicious and unique Armenian flatbread.
The main ingredients used in the recipe for Matnakash flatbread are flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water. Flour is the base ingredient that provides the structure and texture to the bread. Yeast is used to leaven the dough, making it rise and giving the bread its softness. Salt and sugar are added for flavor enhancement, while water is used to bind all the ingredients together and form the dough.
The tools required for making Matnakash flatbread include a mixing bowl, a measuring cup, a wooden spoon or spatula for mixing the ingredients, a clean surface for kneading the dough, and a baking sheet or stone for baking the bread. Additionally, a sharp knife or a dough scraper is needed to create the distinctive pattern on the bread that resembles the back of a turtle. These simple tools are essential for preparing and shaping the dough, as well as baking the flatbread to perfection.
To prepare Matnakash flatbread, start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and melted butter. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then transfer it onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into balls. On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a flat circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, make a…(full recipe on the way)
To cook Matnakash, start by preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the dough on a floured surface and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a round shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Then, transfer the rolled dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts on the surface of the dough, creating a turtle shell pattern.
Next, brush the dough with melted butter or olive oil to give it a shiny appearance. Sprinkle some sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top for added flavor. Allow the dough to rest for about 15 minutes before baking.
Finally, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the flatbread turns golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the soft and delicious Matnakash flatbread as a side dish or…(full recipe on the way)
1. Chickpea flour: Made from ground chickpeas, this gluten-free flour adds a nutty flavor to the flatbread and gives it a slightly denser texture.
2. Buckwheat flour: Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat and is gluten-free. It imparts a rich, earthy taste to the flatbread and adds a darker color.
3. Quinoa flour: Derived from ground quinoa seeds, this flour is gluten-free and adds a delicate, slightly sweet flavor to the flatbread. It also provides a light and fluffy texture.
4. Spelt flour: A type of wheat flour, spelt has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. It can be used as a substitute for regular wheat flour in the flatbread recipe.
5. Rice flour: Made from finely ground rice, this gluten-free flour creates a light and crispy texture in the flatbread. It has a mild taste that allows other flavors to shine
1. Turtle Bread
2. Armenian Turtle Bread
3. Soft Shell Bread
4. Armenian Soft Bread
5. Turtle Shell Bread
6. Armenian Shell Bread
7. Patterned Bread
8. Armenian Patterned Bread
9. Leavened Turtle Bread
10. Armenian Leavened Bread
11. Turtle Back Bread
12. Armenian Turtle Back Bread
13. Soft Patterned Bread
14. Armenian Soft Patterned Bread
15. Turtle Texture Bread
16. Armenian Turtle Texture Bread
17. Leavened Shell Bread
18. Armenian Leavened Shell Bread
19. Soft Turtle Bread
20. Armenian Soft Turtle Bread
1. Begin by preparing your sourdough starter, allowing it to ferment and become active.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter with flour, water, and a pinch of salt.
3. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm place for several hours, allowing it to rise and develop flavor.
5. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round flatbread.
6. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet and let it rise for another hour.
7. Preheat your oven to a high temperature and bake the flatbread until it turns golden brown and develops the characteristic turtle pattern.
8. Allow the flatbread to cool before serving and enjoy the soft and flavorful Armenian sourdough flatbread, known as Matnakash…(full sourdough recipe on the way)
1. Start by choosing gluten-free flour alternatives such as rice flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
2. Mix the gluten-free flour with yeast, warm water, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
3. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
5. Preheat the oven to a high temperature.
6. Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into flat rounds.
7. Place the flat rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Use a knife or fork to create the distinctive pattern resembling a turtle’s back on the flatbread.
9. Bake the gluten-free flatbread in the preheated oven until it turns golden brown.
10. Allow the flatbread to cool before serving. Enjoy your gluten-free version of Armenian Matnakash flatbread!…(full gluten-free recipe on the way)
I’ve provided some basic tips on making Matnakash at home above but I’ll be updating this page to include links to the best Matnakash recipes, including sourdough and gluten-free versions. Join our waitlist above to get noticed when these recipes are available.
