Turkish bread

This is a soft, fluffy flatbread with a light crust, perfect for serving with dips, grilled meats, or soups.

Turkish Bread (Pide) Recipe

Ingredients

• 500 grams (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

• 1 packet (7 grams or 2¼ teaspoons) instant dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• 300 milliliters (about 1¼ cups) warm water

• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (room temperature)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the glaze

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon water

• Sesame seeds and/or nigella seeds for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.

2. Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

2. Add the activated yeast mixture, yogurt, and olive oil.

3. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

2. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

3. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: Let the dough rise

1. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

2. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

3. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the bread

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air.

2. Turn it onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal parts.

3. Shape each portion into a round or oval flatbread about 1 to 1.5 centimeters thick.

4. Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Make the glaze and decorate

1. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and water for the glaze.

2. Brush the tops of the breads with the glaze.

3. Using your fingertips or the back of a spoon, gently press a criss-cross pattern or a large diamond pattern into the dough surface.

4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and/or nigella seeds.

Step 7: Final proof

1. Let the shaped breads rest for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature while you preheat the oven.

Step 8: Bake the bread

1. Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F).

2. Place the baking tray in the center of the oven.

3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 9: Cool and serve

1. Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly.

2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with hummus, baba ghanoush, or yogurt-based dips.

• Slice and use as sandwich bread or wrap base.

• Enjoy with soups or grilled meats.