Turkish bread

Turkish bread, also known as “pide” or “pide ekmek,” is a delicious and versatile bread that’s a staple in Turkish cuisine. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dough:
   • 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.
   • Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, or if it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Knead Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
6. Shape Dough:
   • Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into oval or round shapes, about ½ inch thick.
7. Second Rise:
   • Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
8. Bake:
   • Brush the tops of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds if desired.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Serve:
   • Serve Turkish bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or served with dips, soups, stews, or kebabs.

Tips:

• For a softer crust, you can brush the baked bread with melted butter or olive oil after it comes out of the oven.
• You can add herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. It also freezes well for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade Turkish bread!