Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Turkish Bread (Pide), a traditional flatbread that is soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for dipping or serving alongside dishes like kebabs, soups, or salads.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (or nigella seeds)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the yogurt, olive oil, and the yeast mixture to the flour. Stir with a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
- Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions if you want two smaller loaves, or keep it whole for one large bread.
- Shape the dough into a round or oval shape, about 1/2-inch thick, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Using your fingers, make indentations in the dough, forming a crisscross pattern (this helps the bread rise evenly and gives it its characteristic appearance).
4. Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk.
- Brush the top of the bread with the egg wash to give it a golden color when baked.
5. Add Seeds and Bake:
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds (or nigella seeds) on top of the bread.
- Let the shaped bread rest for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and brush with a little olive oil for extra shine and flavor.
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Variations: You can add garlic, herbs, or even a sprinkle of za’atar to the dough or on top for extra flavor.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well. Simply cool it completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Turkish bread with dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, or as a side to stews and kebabs.
This Turkish Bread is soft on the inside with a slightly crispy crust, making it perfect for mopping up sauces or serving with appetizers!
