Turkish bread, also known as “pide,” is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for various dishes. Here’s a recipe to prepare Turkish bread:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon nigella seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates and becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval or elongated shape, about ½ inch (1.5 cm) thick.
- Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle the top with sesame seeds or nigella seeds, gently pressing them into the dough.
- Place the baking sheet with the dough onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the Turkish bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Slice and serve it warm, or let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Enjoy your homemade Turkish bread! It’s perfect for serving with dips, soups, or as a base for sandwiches and kebabs.
