Description
This Turkish bread, with its soft, pillowy interior and golden, crispy crust, is the perfect companion to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with soups, stews, or using it to scoop up dips, this bread is a true delight. Made from simple ingredients and baked with care, it will soon become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 500g (1 pound) flour
- 150ml (5 fl. oz) warm milk
- 150ml (5 fl. oz) warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp dry yeast
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and dry yeast. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour, stirring continuously to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If needed, add a small amount of flour to prevent stickiness.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions. Shape each portion into a round or oval loaf.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). For a crispier crust, place a small pan of water in the bottom of the oven.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite dishes.
Notes
- For a more rustic flavor, you can experiment by adding a small amount of olive oil to the dough or brushing the bread with olive oil before baking.
- You can store any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If it begins to harden, warm it in the oven to refresh the crust.
- This bread is best served fresh, but it can also be frozen once cooled. Just wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to a month. To reheat, place it in the oven for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish-Inspired