Armenian Pilaf Baked In Lavash

Soak rice in refrigerator overnight in a bowl of salted water.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Drain rice and wash in a bowl until water is clear. Drain again.

Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium pot. Add rice and cook about 10 minutes, stirring often. The center of the rice should still be hard. Stir in a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain rice in colander.

Spread 1 tablespoon butter on bottom of a shallow 9-by-11-inch, oven-proof casserole that is large enough to hold rice. Melt remaining butter.

Place a thin layer of lavash in casserole so that the bread covers the bottom and comes up the sides. Add rice and pour melted butter over the top.

Cover casserole tightly and bake for 45 minutes. Serve with some of the crisped lavash bread.