Small Bread with a Big Personality
If you’ve ever been to a Croatian celebration, party, or sports event in Australia, chances are you’ve come across lepinje – those warm, fluffy little flatbreads that disappear faster than they can be baked!
Traditionally part of Croatian cuisine, lepinje have become an essential feature at every serious barbecue and social gathering – especially when ćevapi are on the menu.
No need for too much philosophy – a lepinja is the heart and soul of any good ćevapi sandwich. A bit of chopped onion, a spoonful of ajvar, a few hot ćevapi, and a soft lepinja hugging it all together like a warm Croatian grandma – and you’ve got the perfect bite. And when lepinje are freshly baked, soft and steamy – who could resist? Some people enjoy them on their own – they’re that good!
In the Croatian community in Australia, lepinje have become a bit of a status symbol – a sign of good planning and that unmistakable homey atmosphere. Whether it’s a sports tournament, a family picnic, or a club event – someone will always make sure lepinje are on the menu. And of course, debates often follow – who makes the best ones?
For those keen to roll up their sleeves and try making homemade lepinje, here’s a tried-and-true recipe:
Homemade Lepinje (makes 6)
Ingredients:
500 g plain flour
1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
1 tsp sugar
1.5 tsp salt
300 ml warm water
1 tbsp oil
Method:
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. In a small bowl, mix warm water with sugar and yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add the yeast mixture and oil to the flour and knead until you get a smooth dough. Add a little more flour if needed.
Cover the dough and leave it in a warm place to rise for about an hour.
Divide the dough into 6 pieces, shape into balls and roll out into small flatbreads (about 1 cm thick).
Cover and let them rest for another 10–15 minutes.
Bake in a very hot oven (220–250°C) on a lined tray for 8–10 minutes, until nicely coloured and slightly puffed up.
Tip: If you have a lidded barbecue or a peka – even better! Always wrap freshly baked lepinje in a tea towel to keep them soft until serving.
In short – lepinja is not just a side dish. It’s the pride of every proper feast and proof that the simplest things often bring the greatest joy. So next time you hear someone’s bringing lepinje to a party – you’ll know you’re in good hands. And don’t forget – one to try, one with ćevapi, one just with ajvar… and the rest will disappear before you know it!
Olive oil – mix into a dough and bake in a peka!
Would you like to share your own lepinja recipe? Write to us – because in this community, a good lepinja – just like a good recipe – is worth its weight in gold!
