Turkish Bread, often named Ekmek, is a popular culinary staple in Turkey and Middle Eastern cuisines. Turkish bread has a distinctive hearty texture, lightly dusted with sesame seeds on top, and has a strikingly beautiful golden color that invites you to devour it on sight. Its slightly sweet and enriched dough paired with robust crust adds an unforgettable twist to your dining experience.
This big and fluffy bread is perfect for all occasions – family dinners, picnics, or even just an addition to your morning tea or coffee. It is adored by bread lovers, being rated highly for its tastefulness and versatility. Whether you wish to dip it in soup, make a good old sandwich or just enjoy it plain with butter, Turkish Bread won’t disappoint you.
Believe me when I say, you will fall head over heels with this bread! Now, let’s get baking!
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 2 large loaves
Alright, let’s gear up and check out the ingredients you would need for this culinary journey.
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water
- 2 teaspoons of dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Sesame seeds to sprinkle
You will also need a mixing bowl, dough scraper, baking sheet, and a clean cloth.
Now, onto the cooking steps.
How To Make Turkish Bread
- First things first, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water, and let it sit for about five minutes until foam starts to appear on top.
- Then, mix flour and salt in a large bowl. After the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mix and knead into a soft dough. Remember, kneading is essential as it helps the yeast work its magic and make the bread rise.
- Next, cover the dough with a cloth, and let it rest for around 90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven. When the dough is ready, shape it into round loaves, sprinkle sesame seeds and bake it till you get that golden perfection.
Tips For The Best Results
- Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Aerate your flour before measuring it to get the right amount, and don’t compact it in the measuring cup.
Storage Tips
- Store the bread in a cool and dry area, preferably in a breadbox.
- You can also freeze the bread for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
A: No, the dough needs to be kept at room temperature for it to rise properly.
Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, just make sure to adjust the water accordingly as gluten-free flour requires less moisture.
Q: Can I skip the sesame seeds?
A: Yes, the sesame seeds are optional. You can also replace them with some other seeds if you like.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Usually it can last for 2-3 days at room temperature, but chilling and freezing can extend the shelf life.
Q: Why is my bread not rising?
A: The yeast may be old or the water may not be at the right temperature.
Nutritional Facts of Turkish Bread
This bread is relatively low in fat and high in carbohydrates. It also provides some protein, given the flour and yeast involved. Exact nutritional data can vary based on portion size and any variations made in the recipe.
After tasting the finished Turkish Bread, pat yourself on the back because you’ve just recreated a masterpiece. Your kitchen would’ve smelled divine and you’ll have the freshest and yummiest bread on your table. You can serve it with dips, soups, or use it to make delectable sandwiches. Enjoy your culinary journey to Turkey!
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