Bread from Turkey

Turkish cuisine features a variety of delicious breads, each with its unique flavor and texture. Here are a few popular Turkish breads:

1. Simit

Simit is a circular bread with a crunchy crust and a soft interior, often referred to as the Turkish bagel. It’s typically coated with sesame seeds before baking.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Sesame seeds for coating

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
3. Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape: Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and form into a ring. Dip the rings into water, then sesame seeds.
5. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

2. Pide

Pide is a type of Turkish flatbread that can be topped with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, minced meat, or vegetables.

Ingredients for Basic Pide Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Mix Dough: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth.
3. Rise: Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Shape and Top: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into an oval shape. Add your choice of toppings (e.g., cheese, ground meat, vegetables). Fold the edges slightly to form a boat shape.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden.

3. Lavaş

Lavaş is a traditional Turkish flatbread similar to pita, but thinner and softer. It’s perfect for wrapping kebabs or as a side with dips.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dough: Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth.
3. Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Shape and Cook: Divide dough into balls. Roll each ball out into a thin circle. Cook on a hot, dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, until puffed and lightly browned.

4. Bazlama

Bazlama is a thick, soft Turkish flatbread similar to a fluffy pancake.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Mix Dough: Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth.
3. Rise: Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape and Cook: Divide dough into balls and flatten each one into a thick disc. Cook on a hot skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Each of these Turkish breads has its own unique flavor and texture, perfect for different meals and occasions. Enjoy exploring these delicious options!