Turkish bread recipe

Turkish bread, often known as “pide” or “ramazan pidesi,” is a delicious flatbread with a soft and chewy texture. Here’s a basic recipe for making Turkish bread at home:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping (Optional):

• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the well.
• Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

5. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.

6. Shape the Bread:

• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
• Roll each portion into an oval or rectangle shape, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.

7. Second Rise:

• Place the rolled dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly on a preheated pizza stone.
• Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.

8. Add Toppings (Optional):

• Brush the surface of the dough with water and sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds if desired.

9. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

10. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the Turkish bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve it warm with your favorite dips or use it to make sandwiches.

Enjoy your homemade Turkish bread! You can customize this recipe by adding herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.