Recipe for Turkish bread
Ingredients:
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup olive oil (plus more for brushing)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture does not foam, the yeast may be expired or the water too hot/cold.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bread:
Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal portions.
On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a flat oval or rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. You can also shape the dough into a round or oval, depending on your preference.
Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare for Baking:
Brush the tops of the dough with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Bake the Bread:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
If you like a crispier crust, you can bake for an additional 5 minutes, but be careful not to over-bake.
Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
For extra flavor: Add a sprinkle of za’atar or dried herbs on top of the dough before baking.
For softer bread: Brush the hot bread with a little melted butter right after baking.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven to bring back its freshness.
Variations:
Turkish Pide with Toppings: Before baking, you can top the dough with ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese for a more elaborate version.
Spiced Turkish Bread: Incorporate spices like cumin or paprika into the dough for added flavor.