What’s in Turkish Bread? Turkish bread is a soft, warm, and incredibly satisfying bread that pairs perfectly with almost any meal. It’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients but packs a lot of flavor. The star ingredients in this recipe are all-purpose flour, yogurt, and salt, with a few optional additions to elevate the flavor even more. The yogurt adds a wonderful tang and keeps the bread soft and fluffy, while the olive oil or melted butter brushed on top brings a delightful golden sheen and richness.
The beauty of Turkish bread lies in its versatility. You can serve it with stews, soups, or as a snack with some olive oil for dipping. The slight chewiness combined with the tender crumb makes it absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s quite easy to make, and the ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens.
Ingredients List:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
This recipe yields 4-6 servings, depending on how large or small you make the pieces.
How to Make Turkish Bread?
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add 1 cup of plain yogurt into the flour mixture. Stir to combine until the mixture begins to form a rough dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Once kneaded, divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on the size of bread you prefer.
- Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 1/4 inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Optionally, brush with a little olive oil or melted butter for a crisp, golden crust.
- Cook each piece of dough in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Once the bread is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it under a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm.
- For an extra touch, brush the bread with more olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Is Turkish Bread Good for You? Absolutely! This Turkish bread recipe is quite healthful, especially compared to many store-bought varieties. The inclusion of yogurt not only adds a lovely tang but also provides protein and probiotics, which are great for gut health. While the all-purpose flour does not have the fiber content of whole wheat flour, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version. Keep in mind that this bread is best enjoyed fresh, as it doesn’t have the long shelf life of store-bought bread.
Delicious Variations and Tips:
- For a unique twist, try adding herbs such as dill, oregano, or thyme to the dough for additional flavor.
- You can also experiment with toppings before cooking! A sprinkle of sesame seeds or za’atar spice mix on top gives this bread a delicious crunch and extra flavor.
- Serve this bread warm for the best texture and flavor. It makes the perfect accompaniment to your favorite stews, dips, or soups.
This Turkish bread is sure to impress, whether you’re using it to scoop up a hearty stew or enjoying it fresh from the skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. I’d love to hear how you enjoy it—let me know how it turns out when you try it!
Enjoy baking and indulging in this warm, flavorful bread! Happy cooking!
