Turkish Bread
Turkish Bread is a soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy flatbread that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, pairing with stews, or enjoying with spreads. This homemade bread, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, brings a touch of Mediterranean flavor to any meal. Whether you enjoy it with Turkish dishes like kebabs or use it for sandwiches, this bread will elevate your meal with its delicious taste and satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (for all pieces)
- Total Time: 2-2.5 hours
- Yield: 2 medium-sized flatbreads
- Category: Bread, Mediterranean Recipe
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: Turkish, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour (or 50/50 whole wheat and white)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
¾ cup warm water (not hot – just warm to the touch)
2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil (plus more for cooking)
Instructions
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Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
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Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil (or neutral oil). Stir everything together until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed but avoid over-flouring the dough to keep it soft.
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First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
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Shape the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 2 equal portions (or more for smaller loaves). Roll each portion into a ball and flatten gently with your hands to form a round or oval shape, about 1-inch thick.
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Second rise: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
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Cook the bread: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with olive oil or neutral oil. Once hot, cook the bread one at a time, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown spots appear. Press gently on the bread to help it cook evenly.
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Serve: Once cooked, let the bread cool slightly before serving. Slice it and enjoy with your favorite dips, soups, or Mediterranean dishes.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature.
Freezing: Freeze any leftover Turkish bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the skillet or oven.
Reheating: Reheat the bread in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side or wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/turkish-bread/
