Freshly baked homemade soft Turkish bread on a wooden table

Homemade Soft Turkish Bread

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why make this recipe

Soft Turkish Bread is soft, simple, and full of flavor. It makes great sandwiches, goes well with soups, and is nice for family meals. This recipe uses few ingredients and gives a soft crumb and golden crust. If you like easy homemade bread, this one is worth trying. For a related simple pasta idea, try this campanelle recipe.

introduction

This recipe shows how to make a soft, classic Turkish bread at home. The steps are easy and use common ingredients. You do not need special tools. The dough rises two times and bakes to a golden brown loaf with a soft inside.

how to make Soft Turkish Bread

Ingredients :

– 4 cups all-purpose flour, – 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C), – 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, – 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, – 2 teaspoons salt, – 2 tablespoons olive oil, – Additional flour for dusting

Directions :

Creating Soft Turkish Bread is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for success:

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
  4. Knead Dough: Mix until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Shape Loaves: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a round or oval loaf.
  7. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a floured baking sheet. Cover them with a cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  9. Bake Bread: Once risen, bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  10. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible bread with ease!

how to serve Soft Turkish Bread

Serve warm or at room temperature. Slice and use for sandwiches, toast with butter and honey, or serve with soups and stews. You can tear the bread and dip it in olive oil, or use it to scoop up sauces and dips. Freshly baked is best, but it also tastes good the next day when toasted.

how to store Soft Turkish Bread

Let the bread cool completely. Store in a bread box or in a loosely closed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust.

tips to make Soft Turkish Bread

  • Use warm water (about 110°F/43°C) to help the yeast activate.
  • Make sure the yeast froths before mixing with flour. If it does not froth, the yeast may be dead.
  • Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic for the best texture.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. A slightly warm oven (turned off) with the light on works well.
  • Do not overbake. The bread should sound hollow when tapped.

variation (if any)

  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt for a slightly richer crumb.
  • Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top before baking for extra flavor.
  • Make small rolls instead of loaves for individual servings.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a savory twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use about 1 ¾ teaspoons instant yeast and mix it directly with the flour. Reduce the proofing time slightly.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: You can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat. The bread will be denser. Add a little more water if needed.

Q: How do I know the bread is fully baked?
A: The crust should be golden brown and the loaf will sound hollow when you tap the bottom.

Q: Can I make this dough in a bread machine?
A: Yes. Use the dough cycle, then shape and bake in the oven as directed.

Q: What temperature is best for proofing?
A: Around 75–85°F (24–29°C) is ideal for the dough to rise well.

Conclusion

Soft Turkish Bread is easy and rewarding to make at home. If you want another simple Turkish-style flatbread idea, see this Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama) – The Café Sucre Farine for a related recipe.