Description
This Turkish Bread is a soft, fluffy, and lightly golden loaf with a crisp crust finished with sesame seeds. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping into soups, or serving alongside Mediterranean dishes, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that showcase traditional Turkish baking.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1¼ cups warm water
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon nigella seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Pour in the warm water, yogurt, and olive oil into the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a better texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for a crisp crust.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a large round or oval loaf, and transfer it to a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Create Pattern: Using your fingertips, gently press a crisscross pattern into the surface of the dough to add texture and help it bake evenly.
- Apply Topping: Mix the egg yolk with the milk and brush this glaze over the formed dough. Then, sprinkle sesame seeds and optional nigella seeds evenly on top for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, olive oil, or hummus.
Notes
- Best enjoyed warm with butter, olive oil, or hummus.
- Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze the bread for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish