Turkish Bread

Turkish Bread 🍞

This Turkish Bread is a soft, pillowy flatbread that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish. With its simple ingredients and traditional preparation, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Turkey to your kitchen. The yogurt in the dough adds a subtle tang and keeps the bread incredibly soft, while the warm water activates the gluten for a perfectly elastic texture. Whether you’re serving it with dips, soups, or grilled meats, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Turkish bread step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft & Fluffy : Yogurt and warm water create a tender, airy texture.
2. Simple Ingredients : Made with pantry staples like flour, yogurt, and water.
3. Versatile : Perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or as a side for soups and stews.
4. Customizable : Add herbs, spices, or seeds for extra flavor.
5. Fun to Make : Kneading and shaping the dough is a hands-on, rewarding experience.

Ingredients

(Makes 8–10 flatbreads)

• 8½ glasses (1.1 kg) all-purpose flour 🥣
• 1.7 glasses (400 ml) warm water 💧
• 1.7 glasses (400 ml) plain yogurt (room temperature ) 🥛
• 1 tablespoon salt 🧂
• 1 tablespoon sugar 🫒
• 1 packet (7g / 2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast 🌾
• Optional : Sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or dried herbs for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water , sugar , and yeast . Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes , or until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour , salt , and yogurt . Mix well.
2. Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes , or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
   • Tip : If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, but avoid over-flouring.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or butter. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat the surface.
2. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours , or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Bread

1. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide it into 8–10 equal portions , depending on how large you want your flatbreads.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly with your hands.
3. Use a rolling pin to roll each ball into an oval or round shape, about ¼ inch thick .
   • Optional : Sprinkle sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or dried herbs on top and press them gently into the dough.

Step 5: Cook the Bread

Option 1: Stovetop Method

1. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Cook each flatbread for 2–3 minutes per side , or until golden brown spots appear and the bread puffs up slightly.
   • Tip : Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

Option 2: Oven Method

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) . Place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat up.
2. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto the hot baking sheet or stone. Bake for 5–7 minutes , flipping halfway through, until golden and puffed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Wrap the cooked bread in a clean kitchen towel to keep it soft and warm.
2. Serve fresh with olive oil, hummus, tzatziki, or as a side for soups and stews.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients : Ensure the yogurt and water are at room temperature for optimal yeast activation.
2. Experiment with Toppings : Add za’atar, sumac, or chili flakes for a Middle Eastern twist.
3. Make Ahead : Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days . Let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze cooled flatbreads in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month . Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
5. Switch Up the Flour : Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.

Perfect Pairings

This Turkish Bread pairs beautifully with:

• Dips : Serve with hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
• Soups and Stews : Pair with lentil soup, tomato soup, or beef stew for a hearty meal.
• Grilled Meats : Use as a wrap for shawarma, kebabs, or gyros.
• Breakfast Spread : Enjoy with eggs, cheese, or avocado for a filling breakfast.

Nutritional Information (Per Flatbread, Approx.)

(Based on 10 flatbreads)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~8g
• Carbohydrates : ~45g
• Fat : ~4g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Turkish Bread is a soft, versatile, and flavorful flatbread that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re using it as a wrap, dipping it into sauces, or serving it alongside soups and stews, this bread delivers on texture and taste. The combination of yogurt, warm water, and flour creates a dough that’s easy to work with and results in a beautifully fluffy bread.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the toppings, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different dishes to make it your own. So grab your flour, roll out that dough, and get ready to enjoy a bread that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.