Oil-Free Greek Lagana: No Sugar, No Honey, No Kneading

This oil-free lagana is soft, traditional, and incredibly easy to prepare — without sugar, honey, or kneading. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers the classic sesame-crusted flatbread texture while keeping the recipe lighter and cleaner.

Perfect for Clean Monday, fasting periods, or everyday baking, this version uses a high-hydration dough and minimal handling to achieve a soft interior and golden crust. If you’re looking for a no-knead Greek lagana recipe, this method keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor or authenticity.

Oil-Free Greek Lagana: No Sugar, No Honey, No Kneading

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: BreadCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

slices

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

240

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

Traditional oil-free Greek lagana made without sugar, honey, or kneading. Soft sesame flatbread perfect for fasting or Clean Monday.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 750 g 5 cup All-purpose Flour (or whole wheat flour)

• 500 g 2 cup Lukewarm Water

• 14 g 4 1/2 tsp Dry Yeast

• 100 g 2 tbsp Tahini (optional)

• 15 g 1 tbsp Salt

• Juice of 1/2 Lemon

• For the Topping

• 300 g 2 cup Sesame Seeds

• 75 g 1/2 cup Flour

• 250 g 1 cup Water

How to make oil-free Greek Lagana

• In a large bowl, add the lukewarm water and tahini (if using). Stir until the tahini dissolves.
• Add the yeast, flour, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until a soft dough forms that slightly sticks to your hands.
• Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Toast the sesame seeds at 350°F (180°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Add 2–3 teaspoons of the toasted sesame seeds to the dough and knead lightly to incorporate.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently deflate it.
• Divide into two equal portions.
• Shape each portion by hand into the traditional oval lagana shape.
• Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
• Prepare the Topping
• In a bowl, mix the water and flour until smooth.
• Brush the laganes with the mixture and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
• Let them rise for 20 minutes.
• Using your fingers, press dimples across the surface.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C), conventional heat, for 25–30 minutes, until golden.

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Why This Lagana Requires No Sugar or Honey

Traditional lagana often includes sweeteners to enhance browning. In this version, natural fermentation and proper baking temperature create a golden crust without added sugar.

The Role of Lemon Juice

A small amount of lemon juice strengthens gluten structure and enhances fermentation, helping the dough rise properly despite the absence of sweeteners.

Minimal Kneading Technique

Because this is a high-hydration dough, gluten develops naturally during resting. Gentle handling preserves air bubbles and creates a soft, airy interior.

Texture & Flavor

Expect:

• Crisp sesame crust
• Soft, fluffy crumb
• Mild, clean flavor
• Slight nuttiness if tahini is added

This lagana pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dips, olives, and seafood dishes.