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Turkish Sesame and Nigella Seed Bread Recipe


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4.2 from 183 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well incorporated.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for a crisp crust.
  6. 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.
  7. Create Pattern: Using your fingertips, gently press a crisscross pattern into the surface of the dough to add texture and help it bake evenly.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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