ԲԱՂԱԴՐԱՏՈՄՍ

TRADITIONAL ARMENIAN GATA AND FASTING BREAD

2025-03-25 11:18
Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 500 g flour
  • 200 g butter or margarine
  • 100 g matsun
  • 100 g sour cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda (dissolved in matsun)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

  • 200 g flour
  • 150 g sugar
  • 100 g butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla sugar

For Decoration:

  • 1 egg (for a glossy surface)

Preparation

1) Preparing the Dough

  • Sift the flour into a deep bowl.
  • Add cold butter and rub with your hands until you get a crumbly mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, mix matsun, sour cream, egg, sugar, and salt.
  • Dissolve the baking soda in matsun, add to the dough mixture, and knead into a soft, elastic dough.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2) Preparing the Filling

  • Melt the butter, then add flour, sugar, and vanilla sugar.
  • Mix well until you get a uniform, crumbly mixture.

3) Shaping the Gata

  • Divide the dough into 2 or 3 parts, depending on the desired size.
  • Roll each portion into a medium-thickness sheet.
  • Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it into a log.
  • Optionally, make small cuts on top for a decorative pattern.
  • Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4) Baking

  • Beat the egg and brush it over the gata for a shiny finish.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.

Tips

  • For a unique taste, you can add crushed walnuts or cinnamon to the filling.
  • If you prefer softer gata, cover it with a damp cloth after baking and leave for 10 minutes.
  • Gata is perfect to serve with tea or coffee.

This traditional Armenian gata is a great choice for family gatherings and special occasions. 🍪😋

Fasting Bread (Pahki Bagharch – Vegan Version)

Ingredients

- 1 kg flour
- 150 g sugar
- 0.5 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp yeast or sourdough starter
- 3 tbsp oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 600 g warm water

Preparation

1. Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast (or sourdough starter) to get a smooth mixture.
2. Add oil and honey, then gradually pour in warm water while stirring until a uniform dough forms.
3. Add the raisins and walnuts, mix well.
4. Let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes.
5. Shape the dough and place it in a preheated 180°C oven.
6. Bake for about 30–40 minutes until golden brown. This recipe is perfect for those observing Lent, as it contains no animal-based ingredients. Try making it and share your festive fasting bread photos with us by tagging #AniProduct!