Turkish bread, known for its airy texture and golden crust, is a staple in Turkish cuisine. Whether served alongside kebabs, used for dipping into olive oil and hummus, or enjoyed with cheese and tea, this bread is incredibly versatile. The dough is enriched with milk and olive oil, giving it a soft, slightly chewy interior while maintaining a crisp, golden exterior. With simple ingredients and a few key techniques, you can recreate this traditional bread at home.
Ingredients
- Bakers Flour – 500 grams
- Dried Yeast – 4 grams
- Salt – 10 grams
- Warm Water – 360 milliliters
- Polenta – 2 tablespoons (for dusting)
- Egg – 1 (for egg wash)
- Sesame Seeds – 2 teaspoons (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm water into a mixing bowl and sprinkle over the dried yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. - Mix the Dough
Add bakers flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a dough hook, mix slowly until the dough comes together. - Knead the Dough
Knead for a few minutes until the dough is smooth. Shape it into a ball, cover the bowl, and let it rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in size. - Punch Down and Fold
Deflate the dough and knead using the lift-and-fold method—lift the dough at 12 o’clock, fold it back, turn the bowl 90 degrees, and repeat. - Second Rise
Cover the dough again and let it rise for 30 minutes. - Shape the Loaves
Divide the dough into two portions and shape them into long loaves. Lay them on a baking sheet sprinkled with polenta. - Final Rest
Cover the loaves and let them relax for 15 minutes. - Prepare for Baking
Preheat the oven to 250°C (482°F). Place a dish of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam. - Egg Wash & Toppings
Use your fingers to poke holes in the top of the dough. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. - Bake the Bread
Bake for 8-9 minutes or until golden brown. For a harder crust, bake at 220°C (428°F) for 14-16 minutes. - Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
This soft, fluffy, and golden Turkish bread is perfect for pairing with dips, grilled meats, or simply enjoying with butter and honey. You can find more details here. Happy baking! 🍞✨