Lavash Roll with Minced Meat and Cheese

Lavash rolls with minced meat and cheese are an easy and delicious dish perfect for family dinners, parties, or snacks. Combining juicy minced meat with soft, melted cheese, the filling is wrapped in thin lavash bread and baked to golden perfection. The roll is crunchy on the outside and tender inside, making it a satisfying option for anyone looking for a quick but flavorful meal. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different fillings, seasonings, and types of cheese to suit your personal taste.

Full Recipe:

 

Ingredients:

  • Minced meat – 500 g (beef, pork, or chicken)
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Carrot – 1 medium, grated
  • Cheese – 200 g, grated (any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or cheddar)
  • Egg yolk – 1
  • Milk – 2 tablespoons
  • Lavash bread – 2 sheets (thin)
  • Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – To taste
  • Black pepper – To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Next, add the grated carrot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until soft. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Cook the Minced Meat: In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced meat, season with salt and black pepper, and cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Combine the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked minced meat with the sautéed onions and carrots. Stir until well combined. Grate 200 g of cheese and mix half of it into the meat mixture, reserving the other half for later use.

Step 2: Assemble the Lavash Rolls

  1. Prepare the Lavash: Lay out the 2 sheets of lavash on a clean, flat surface. If your lavash sheets are large, you can cut them in half for easier handling.
  2. Add the Filling: Evenly distribute the meat and cheese mixture onto the lavash sheets, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) around the edges. Spread the filling in a thin layer across the entire surface.
  3. Roll the Lavash: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the lavash into a tight cylinder, similar to how you would roll sushi or a wrap. Make sure the filling is securely wrapped inside the lavash.
  4. Seal the Roll: To help the rolls stay sealed during baking, whisk together 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the egg mixture along the seam of the rolled lavash to seal it.

Step 3: Bake the Lavash Rolls

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Place the Rolls on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Place the rolled lavash onto the baking sheet, seam side down.
  3. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top of each lavash roll with the remaining egg yolk mixture to give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese evenly over the tops of the lavash rolls.
  5. Bake: Bake the lavash rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check the rolls after 15 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.

Step 4: Serve the Lavash Rolls

  1. Slice and Serve: Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly before slicing them into portions. You can serve them warm as a main dish or as appetizers. They pair well with a side salad, dipping sauces, or yogurt-based dressings.

Cooking Tips:

  • Meat Options: Feel free to use any type of minced meat for the filling, such as beef, pork, chicken, or a mixture of these. You can even use plant-based minced meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
  • Cheese Variations: Try experimenting with different types of cheese. Mozzarella provides a soft, gooey texture, while cheddar or gouda adds a sharp, rich flavor. You can also mix cheeses for added depth.
  • Custom Fillings: You can enhance the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or other vegetables. For a spicier version, add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.
  • Crunchier Texture: For extra crispness, brush the lavash with a bit of olive oil before baking.
  • Avoid Overstuffing: Ensure you don’t overfill the lavash rolls, as this can cause them to burst during baking. Keep the filling evenly distributed for the best results.

Storage:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover lavash rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freezing: You can freeze these lavash rolls before or after baking. To freeze unbaked rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed. To freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely before wrapping them and freezing. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

  • Calories: 450-500 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg

This dish provides a balanced combination of protein from the meat and cheese, fats from the cheese and egg, and carbohydrates from the lavash, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the lavash rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush them with the egg wash and sprinkle with cheese just before baking.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply replace the minced meat with a plant-based alternative, or use cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or lentils as the filling.

3. How do I prevent the lavash from becoming soggy? Make sure the filling is not too wet. If necessary, drain any excess liquid from the cooked meat and vegetables before assembling the rolls.

4. What can I serve these lavash rolls with? These rolls pair well with fresh green salads, tomato or yogurt-based dipping sauces, or even roasted vegetables.

5. Can I use tortillas instead of lavash? Yes, tortillas can be used as an alternative to lavash, though the texture will be slightly different. Lavash tends to be thinner and crispier than tortillas when baked.

Conclusion:

This recipe for Lavash Rolls with Minced Meat and Cheese is not only simple but also incredibly delicious. The soft and flavorful minced meat filling, combined with the melted cheese, wrapped in crisp lavash, makes for a perfect meal. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, and can easily be adapted to suit your taste. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or looking to impress guests, these lavash rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures!