Top 3 Greek Flatbreads

Ladenia is a type of soft flatbread that’s topped with tomato slices, onions, and a generous drizzle of Greek olive oil. Hailing from Kimolos, this savory delicacy is considered to be the Greek take on Italian pizza, and it is believed to date back to the time of the Venetian occupation of the island. The dough is typically made with flour, yeast, water, and salt, although some versions also call for the addition of olive oil to the combination. Homemade tomato paste is often used in case there are no fresh tomatoes, while some people tend to enhance the simple tomato-onion topping with the addition of capers and peppers. The flatbread is usually seasoned with sea salt, black pepper, and dried Greek oregano, and once baked, it is typically enjoyed with an extra drizzle of olive oil on top. Ladenia can be made in a round or rectangular shape, and it is typically eaten for breakfast or as a light lunch, although it can also be served as part of a meze dish.Expand

Lagana is a traditional flatbread that is usually associated with Clean Monday—the first day of Lent. The bread is made with wheat flour, and although it was primarily unleavened and did not include dairy or oil, modern varieties are often prepared with olive oil and yeast. The bread is oval-shaped and flat, and the top is typically pressed with fingers to create small indentations. Optional ingredients often include olives and various herbs, but sesame seeds are the most common topping. The exact origin of this ancient Greek bread is still vague, but its first written reference dates back to 5th century BC when it was mentioned in a poem written by a Greek poet Aristophanes, while the name lagana stems from the ancient Greco-Roman term laganon that denoted a similar thin flatbread.Expand