Turkish Bread:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Pour the warm water and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients.
    • Mix everything until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough:
    • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Let It Rise:
    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. Shape and Bake:
    • After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
    • Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a disc shape.
    • Place these discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each bread disc.
  7. Baking:
    • Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool before serving.

NOTE:

  1. Yeast Activation: It’s always a good practice to activate your yeast before mixing it with other ingredients. To do this, dissolve the yeast in a portion of the warm water and add a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, combine it with the other wet ingredients.
  2. Kneading: Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for about 10 minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is essential for developing the bread’s structure.
  3. Rising Time: The dough should be left to rise in a warm, draft-free place. Keep an eye on it, and let it double in size before moving on to the next step.
  4. Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bread. It should turn golden brown, and tapping the bottom should produce a hollow sound, indicating it’s done.
  5. Cooling: Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving. This helps the bread set and improves its texture.