Turkish Milk Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g bread flour
- 50g sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g dry yeast
- 200ml warm milk
- 100ml warm water
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and warm water together.
- Add the sugar and dry yeast, then stir until the yeast and sugar dissolve.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and the egg.
- Mix the ingredients until a rough dough forms.
- Add the softened butter and continue to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 10-15 minutes of kneading by hand or about 8-10 minutes with a stand mixer on medium speed.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gas.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions (for example, you can divide it into 8-10 pieces for individual rolls or leave it whole for a single loaf).
- Shape each portion into a round ball or shape the entire dough into a loaf, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the top of the risen dough for a shiny, golden crust.
- Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake:
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your Turkish milk bread with butter, jam, or any spread of your choice!
Tips:
- Ensure your milk and water are warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its soft texture.
- You can adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread.
Enjoy baking and savoring your homemade Turkish milk bread!
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