Indulge in the delightful flavors of Turkey with this traditional Turkish bread recipe. With its soft interior and crispy exterior, this bread is perfect for dipping into hummus, enjoying with kebabs, or simply savoring on its own. Follow these easy steps to recreate the authentic taste of Turkish cuisine in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: sesame seeds or nigella seeds for topping
Directions:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky, but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, depending on how big you want your bread loaves to be. Flatten each ball slightly with your hands to form a round or oval shape.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the bread: If desired, brush the tops of the dough with water and sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your freshly baked Turkish bread with your favorite dips, spreads, or as a side to your favorite Turkish dishes. Afiyet olsun! (Bon appétit in Turkish)
