Here’s a recipe for traditional Turkish bread, known as “Pide.” This soft and fluffy bread is perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to meals.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams (about 4 cups) of all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7 grams or 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 300 ml (about 1 1/4 cups) of warm water
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
- 1 tablespoon of yogurt (for glazing)
- Nigella seeds and sesame seeds for topping
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and half of the warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and the remaining warm water.
- Mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Pide:
- Preheat your oven to 220Β°C (430Β°F).
- Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
- Roll each part into a large oval or round shape, about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick.
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and yogurt.
- Glaze and Top:
- Brush the tops of the dough with the egg yolk mixture.
- Use your fingers to make deep indentations in the dough in a criss-cross pattern.
- Sprinkle generously with nigella seeds and sesame seeds.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy your homemade Turkish Pide with your favorite dips, as a side dish, or use it to make delicious sandwiches!
