How to make turkish bread
Turkish bread, also known as “pide,” is a traditional bread that has a soft and fluffy texture. It is a popular staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used as a base for various dishes such as kebabs and dips. Making Turkish bread at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.
To make Turkish bread, you will need a few basic ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and water. The bread is typically shaped into a long oval or a circle and baked until golden brown. One of the keys to achieving that authentic Turkish bread taste is the use of a hot oven, which helps create a crispy crust and a soft crumb.
Preparing the dough is the most important step in making Turkish bread. It is crucial to activate the yeast properly by dissolving it in warm water and sugar. This will help the dough rise and give the bread its light and airy texture. Once the dough has risen, you can shape it into your desired shape, scoring it with a knife to create traditional pide patterns. Brushing the bread with olive oil before baking will also help achieve a golden and shiny crust.
Once baked, the heavenly aroma of Turkish bread will fill your home. It is best enjoyed warm from the oven, either on its own or served with dips, olive oil, or cheese. You can also use Turkish bread as a base for sandwiches or as a delicious accompaniment to a hearty soup or stew. With a bit of practice and patience, you can master the art of making Turkish bread and impress your friends and family with your homemade culinary skills!
Prepare the dough for Turkish bread
To make delicious Turkish bread, you need to start by preparing the dough. The dough is the foundation of any good bread, and Turkish bread is no exception.
To begin, gather your ingredients: 500g of strong bread flour, 7g of dried yeast, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 10g of salt.
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, dried yeast, sugar, and salt. Using your hands or a spoon, mix the dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the olive oil. Gradually add in 350ml of warm water while mixing everything together. Continue mixing until a rough dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a clean and lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process will help to develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its desired texture.
Once the dough is properly kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 1 to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
After the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the bowl and place it onto a floured surface. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions depending on the size of bread you desire.
Shape each portion of dough into ovals or circles, using your hands to stretch and pull the dough. Place the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Finally, cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the dough to further rise and develop flavor.
Now that the dough is well-prepared, you are ready to bake your Turkish bread and enjoy its deliciousness.
Choose the right ingredients
When making Turkish bread, it’s important to choose the right ingredients to ensure the desired taste and texture. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
1. Flour
Start with a good quality all-purpose or bread flour. Look for flours that have a high protein content, as this will help create a chewy and elastic bread.
2. Yeast
Active dry yeast or instant yeast can be used to leaven the dough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and not past its expiration date. This will ensure a proper rise and fluffy texture.
3. Water
Water is the main liquid in this recipe. It’s important to use lukewarm water to activate the yeast. Too hot and it can kill the yeast, too cold and it may not activate properly.
4. Salt
A bit of salt enhances the flavor of the bread and also helps to strengthen the gluten structure. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
5. Olive Oil
Adding a small amount of olive oil to the dough gives Turkish bread its characteristic softness and slight richness. It adds flavor and moisture to the final product.
6. Optional Ingredients
While not traditional, you can also add other ingredients to personalize your Turkish bread. Some popular options include herbs like thyme or rosemary, or cheese and olives for a more savory variation.
By choosing the right ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious Turkish bread at home.
Mix the ingredients together
To make Turkish bread, you will need a few basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. Before you start mixing, be sure to gather all the ingredients and measure them accurately.
Step 1: Proof the yeast
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a pinch of sugar and warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated. This process, known as proofing the yeast, ensures that your bread will rise properly.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Gradually mix the ingredients together using either a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
Continue kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough feels sticky, or a little bit of water if it’s too dry.
Note: Turkish bread dough can be quite sticky, so don’t be tempted to add too much flour.
Knead and Shape the Turkish Bread
Once the dough has rested, it is time to knead and shape the Turkish bread. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into smaller portions, depending on how many loaves of bread you want to make. You can weigh the dough to ensure equal portions, or simply estimate by eye.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). This is the ideal temperature for baking Turkish bread.
Step 3: Flatten and Shape
Take one portion of the dough and flatten it into a round or oval shape using your hands. You can also use a rolling pin if you prefer a smoother texture.
Tip: To prevent sticking, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
Step 4: Score the Bread
Using a sharp knife or a scoring tool, gently score the top of the flattened dough. Traditionally, Turkish bread is marked with diagonal lines or a crisscross pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps the bread bake evenly.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Sheet
Carefully transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each piece of bread to allow for expansion while baking.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Allow the shaped Turkish bread to rest for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This rest will help relax the gluten and give the bread a lighter texture.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet with the Turkish bread into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bread to prevent burning.
Note: If you want a slightly crispy crust, you can brush the bread with a mixture of egg yolk and water before baking.
Once the Turkish bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving. This delightful bread can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to your favourite dips and spreads.
Knead the Dough
Once you have gathered your ingredients and mixed together your wet and dry ingredients, it is time to knead the dough. Kneading is an essential step in bread making as it develops the gluten and helps to create a light and airy texture.
Start by turning out your dough onto a well-floured surface. Sprinkle some additional flour on top of the dough to prevent it from sticking to your hands. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back towards you and give it a quarter turn. Repeat this motion for about 10-15 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
As you knead, feel the dough with your hands. It should become more pliable and less sticky as the gluten develops. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it feels too dry and tough, sprinkle a little water on it. Kneading is a tactile process, and it may take a few tries to get the right consistency.
Remember, don’t rush the kneading process. It takes time for the gluten to develop properly, and this step is crucial for good Turkish bread. Stay patient and continue kneading until the dough reaches the desired texture.
Once you have finished kneading the dough, place it in a clean bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough rest for at least an hour, allowing it to rise and develop even more flavor.
Pro tip: If you want to test if the dough is ready, perform the windowpane test. Take a small piece of dough and stretch it slowly. If it stretches without breaking into a thin, translucent membrane (like a windowpane), then the dough has been kneaded enough.
Shape the bread
Once the dough has sufficiently proofed and risen, it is time to shape the Turkish bread into its characteristic oval shape.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shape Turkish bread:
- Divide the dough into smaller portions, depending on the desired size of the bread. A typical size is about 300 grams.
- Take each portion of dough and flatten it into an oval shape with your hands on a lightly floured surface.
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise and press the edges to seal the bread.
- Using your fingers, pinch and twist the folded edge, creating a rope-like pattern along the top of the bread.
- Place the shaped bread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow it to rise slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) while the bread is resting.
Once the bread has rested and the oven is preheated, you are ready to bake the Turkish bread!
Bake Turkish bread in the oven
Once you have prepared the dough for Turkish bread and let it rise, it’s time to bake it in the oven. Follow these simple steps to achieve a deliciously baked Turkish bread at home:
Preheating the oven:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for at least 15 minutes. The oven needs to be nice and hot to give the Turkish bread its signature fluffy texture.
Baking process:
1. Carefully transfer the risen dough onto a lightly floured baking tray or stone.
2. Using your hands, gently shape the dough into an oval or circle, about 1 inch thick. You can also create some decorative slashes on the surface of the dough using a sharp knife or a lame.
3. Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top.
Tip: To achieve a crispier crust, you can spray some water into the oven every 5 minutes during the first 15 minutes of baking.
4. Once the bread is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Serving:
Cut the Turkish bread into slices and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s commonly enjoyed as a base for traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs, as a sandwich bread, or simply dipped in olive oil and hummus.
Now that you know how to make and bake Turkish bread, you can enjoy this delectable and versatile bread straight from your own oven. Happy baking!
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