Here is a recipe for traditional Turkish bread, known as “Ekmek”:
Turkish Bread (Ekmek) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and 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 pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides with oil.
- Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough to release the air.
- Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- If desired, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to create a pattern.
- Bake the Bread:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- You can place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade Turkish bread with your favorite dips, spreads, or as a complement to your meals!
