Turkish bread is a staple in Turkish cuisine, known for its airy texture and slightly chewy crust. This homemade version captures the essence of traditional Turkish bread, making it perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or enjoying with your favorite dips. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delightful loaf that transports you straight to the streets of Istanbul.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1.5 cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
For the Topping (optional):
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon yogurt (for a creamier topping)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary, chopped, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add warm water and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the Bread
- Punch Down the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 2 or 4 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your loaves to be.
- Shape the Loaves: Shape each piece into a round or oval loaf. Flatten slightly and stretch it gently to achieve the desired shape and thickness (about 1 inch thick).
Step 3: Second Rise
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until slightly puffy.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
- Prepare for Baking: Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves with the beaten egg mixed with yogurt (optional). Sprinkle sesame seeds and herbs on top if desired.
- Bake: Place the loaves in the preheated oven (or on the baking stone) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy the Turkish bread warm with dips, as a sandwich, or alongside your favorite meals.