Lavash with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Olives

Experience the delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavors and a crisp, cracker-like texture with Lavash with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Olives. Lavash, a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread, serves as the perfect canvas for a simple yet sophisticated dinner option. This recipe showcases lavash bread brushed with extra-virgin olive oil and toasted to a golden brown, creating a crunchy base for the flavorful toppings. The combination of thawed frozen spinach, fontina cheese, fresh tomatoes, pitted green olives, and aromatic garlic, seasoned with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, delivers a delectable medley of tastes. A final sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a touch of richness, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re looking for a delightful appetizer or a light and satisfying meal, Lavash with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Olives is a crowd-pleasing option that is quick and easy to prepare.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pieces lavash bread
• 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 4 ounces fontina cheese, shredded (1 cup)
• 1 tomato, cored and cut into ½-inch pieces
• ½ cup chopped pitted large green olives
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius). Adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
2. Brush both sides of the lavash bread with extra-virgin olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Bake the lavash until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time.
4. In a bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed dry spinach, shredded fontina cheese, chopped tomato, chopped green olives, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
5. Evenly spread the spinach and cheese mixture over each toasted lavash.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture.
7. Return the lavash to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and becomes spotty brown, which should take approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
8. Once baked to perfection, remove the lavash from the oven and admire the inviting colors and enticing aroma.
9. Slice the lavash into manageable portions and serve as a delightful appetizer or light meal option.
10. The combination of flavors, from the rich fontina cheese to the zesty olives and garlic, will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.

VARIATION: Lavash with Curried Cauliflower and Fennel:

• To create a unique variation, omit the spinach, tomato, and olives from the topping mixture.
• Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups of chopped cauliflower, 1 chopped fennel bulb, 3 tablespoons of water, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of curry powder.
• Cover the skillet and cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
• Combine the cauliflower mixture with fontina cheese, minced garlic, and spices before spreading it over the lavash.
• Substitute ½ cup of crumbled goat cheese for the Parmesan and add a final touch by sprinkling thinly sliced scallions over the top before serving.

With this recipe, you’ll relish a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in Lavash with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Olives. The toasty lavash provides a sturdy foundation for the vibrant toppings, making it a delightful and satisfying dish. As an appetizer or light meal option, this lavash creation promises to impress and leave you craving more. The perfect balance of ingredients in this recipe elevates the traditional Middle Eastern flatbread into a gourmet treat that will delight both family and guests alike.