Turkish bread, or “yufka,” is a soft, pillowy bread with a slightly chewy crust. It pairs well with stews, salads, or spreads and is a staple in Turkish cuisine. In this article, you’ll learn how to make it from scratch, plus tips for serving and storing.
Why We Love This Turkish Bread Recipe
What sets Turkish bread apart is not just its incredible flavor but also the ease with which you can prepare it at home. The combination of simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water allows you to create something extraordinary without needing specialized equipment or skills. The transformation of basic components into a warm, homemade bread is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to fill your home with an enticing aroma. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile; you can enjoy it plain, seasoned with herbs and spices, or serve it alongside your favorite dishes, making it a beloved addition to your dining table.
Ingredients for Turkish Bread
To create this delightful Turkish bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 150 ml warm water
- 150 ml warm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dry yeast (fast action)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Chili powder
These ingredients combine to form a beautifully soft and flavorful bread, ready to be enjoyed in various ways.
How to Make Turkish Bread
Making Turkish bread from scratch is a straightforward process that you can easily master. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.
Prepare the Dry Mix: Start by combining the all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Use a whisk to blend them well, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the warm water and warm milk together. It’s crucial that the liquids are warm but not boiling, as excessive heat can kill the yeast.
Create a Dough: Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Use a fork to stir the mixture, integrating the flour gradually until a shaggy dough forms.
Incorporate Oil: Add the olive oil to your dough, then use your hands to knead it until it comes together into a smooth ball. This process typically takes about 5-10 minutes.
Let It Rise: After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm area to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Knock Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch down the center to release air.
Shape the Bread: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Gently tuck the edges to shape it into a ball, then divide it into equal-sized pieces.
Roll Out: Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a circular shape, using a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about 1 cm.
Cook the Bread: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook each circle of dough for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Stack the cooked flatbreads and brush them with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with chili powder and garnish with chopped parsley for added flavor. Enjoy your Turkish bread with chicken kebabs, Tabbouleh, hummus, or any of your favorite dishes.
How to Serve Turkish Bread
The beauty of Turkish bread is its versatility. You can serve it alongside a wide array of Mediterranean dishes. Here are a few popular pairings:
- With Kebabs: This bread is perfect to accompany grilled meats such as chicken kebabs. Use it to wrap around the meat, creating a delicious, savory bite.
- With Dips: Serve Turkish bread alongside dips like hummus or baba ghanoush for a delightful appetizer. The bread’s soft texture is perfect for scooping up these creamy delights.
- With Salads: Pair it with refreshing dishes like Tabbouleh. The bread can be torn and tossed into the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Breakfast Delight: Think about spreading some creamy yogurt or labneh on it for a delightful breakfast experience. Add a sprinkle of herbs for a refreshing kick.
Expert Tips: Turkish Bread
To ensure your Turkish bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast before using it. Fresh yeast will activate better and help your bread rise more effectively.
- Warm Water and Milk: The warmth of the liquids can significantly impact yeast activity. If you ever find your bread isn’t rising, it could be the temperature of your liquids.
- Knead Well: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives bread its structure. Spend enough time kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before cooking to create a fragrant bread that complements your meal beautifully.
- Altitude Awareness: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid or flour you use. Don’t hesitate to experiment until you find what works best for your environment.
How to Store Turkish Bread
If you happen to have leftover bread (which is rare, considering how delicious it is!), it’s essential to store it correctly to maintain its freshness:
- Room Temperature: Store your Turkish bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but this might change the texture slightly. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: For even longer storage, freeze your Turkish bread. Place it in a freezer bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat it in a pan or oven.
Variation of Turkish Bread
While the basic recipe for Turkish bread is delicious on its own, consider some delightful variations to suit your taste or occasion:
- Herbed Turkish Bread: Add a mix of your favorite fresh herbs to the dough. Rosemary, oregano, or thyme can add a wonderful aromatic flavor to the finished bread.
- Cheesy Turkish Bread: Fold in shredded cheese such as feta or mozzarella to the dough before cooking. This will create a delicious, gooey center.
- Spicy Turkish Bread: Include finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your bread a lovely heat. This spicy addition makes a great pair with dips.
- Sweet Turkish Bread: For a sweeter version, incorporate a handful of raisins or dried fruit into the dough and serve it with a drizzle of honey or a sweet spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkish Bread
What is Turkish bread, and how is it different from other flatbreads?
Turkish bread is a type of flatbread characterized by its soft texture and slightly chewy crust. Unlike other flatbreads, it often incorporates both milk and olive oil, giving it a richer flavor.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but be aware that it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. You might need to adjust the liquid to achieve the desired dough consistency.
How should I reheat Turkish bread to keep it soft?
To reheat Turkish bread, a quick method is to lightly mist it with water and place it in a hot pan for a minute or two. This helps restore moisture and softness.
Turkish Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 150 ml warm water
- 150 ml warm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dry yeast (fast action)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Chili powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl; whisk together.
- In a separate bowl, mix warm water and warm milk, ensuring the liquids are warm but not boiling.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add olive oil and knead the dough until smooth, about 5-10 minutes.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air.
- On a floured surface, turn out the dough, shape it into a ball, and divide into equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a circular shape, about 1 cm thick.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and cook each dough circle for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- Stack the cooked flatbreads, brush with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle with chili powder and chopped parsley before serving.