Turkish Pide Bread Recipe

There’s something downright magical about kneading a simple mixture of flour and water into a warm, aromatic loaf of bread that fills your home with the most comforting of scents. I’m about to guide you through the enchanting process of creating a golden, sesame-studded miracle that promises to become your new baking obsession. Let’s dive into this doughy adventure, and trust me, it’s easier (and more rewarding) than you think!

The experience of tender and aromatic Turkish Pide Bread at the table is something I truly adore. This recipe, with its rich combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, and a drizzle of olive oil, produces a bread that is nothing short of fluffy perfection.

The glaze, made with egg yolk, yogurt, and a sprinkling of sesame and nigella seeds, elevates the appearance and flavor of the bread to a whole new level.

Turkish Pide Bread Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Main carbohydrate source; provides structure and texture.
• Instant yeast: Leavening agent; helps dough rise, creating airy texture.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness; contains healthy fats.
• Yogurt: Adds slight tanginess and helps with a tender crumb.
• Sesame seeds: Nutty flavor and texture; source of healthy fats.

Turkish Pide Bread Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 500 grams all-purpose flour
• 7 grams instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 300 ml lukewarm water
• 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
• 2 tablespoons yogurt (for glazing)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon nigella seeds (optional, for topping)

How to Make this Turkish Pide Bread Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, instant yeast, and sugar thoroughly.

2. To one side of the bowl, add the salt (keeping it separate from the yeast at first), and then mix it into the flour mixture.

3. In the center, form a well, then gradually add in the olive oil and lukewarm water while mixing with your hand or a wooden spoon to create a soft dough.

4. Work the dough on a surface that is lightly dusted with flour. For about 8-10 minutes, push, fold, and pull the dough until it reaches a smooth, elastic consistency.

5. Put the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This should take about 1 hour, but don’t worry if it takes more or less time. Just keep it in a warm place, and don’t keep peeking.

6. Warm up the oven to a temperature of 230°C (450°F) and put in a baking sheet or stone that can also get hot.

7. Deflate the dough and section it into two equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, shape it into a flat oval loaf. Leave the surface of the dough slightly tacky, so that it can rise properly in the next step.

8. In a tiny bowl, beat the egg yolk and yogurt together, then paint this mixture onto the tops of the loaves.

9. Scatter the sesame and nigella seeds (if using) on the loaves as a topping.

10. Loaves should be transferred with care and placed on a baking sheet or stone inside an oven that has been preheated to 450°F. The loaves will then bake for 12-15 minutes and are done when they have reached a nice golden color. The last step before serving is to allow the loaves to cool slightly.

Turkish Pide Bread Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon or hand for mixing
4. Clean surface for kneading
5. Baking sheet or baking stone
6. Damp cloth or plastic wrap
7. Small bowl
8. Pastry brush
9. Oven preheated to 230°C (450°F)

FAQ

• What is the best flour to use for Turkish Pide Bread?The best type of flour to use is all-purpose flour, which creates the soft and chewy texture that is traditional for pide.
• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?It is possible to replace the yeast with active dry yeast, but you must first dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm water that has been mixed with sugar before you combine it with the other ingredients.
• How long should I let the dough rise?Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• What is the purpose of yogurt in the glaze?A slight tang and the golden-brown color of the crust come from yogurt.
• Can I skip the nigella seeds on top?Indeed, nigella seeds are not mandatory. You can utilize solely sesame seeds or, if you wish, opt for poppy seeds as a substitute.
• Why is the water temperature important?Water that’s just warm enough encourages the yeast in the dough to do its job without overheating it and causing the little microorganisms to die off. That’s very important for the dough to rise!
• How do I know when the bread is baked?Bake until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, usually 15-20 minutes at 220°C (428°F).

Turkish Pide Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour to have a denser texture. Whole wheat flour yields a denser bread with a more pronounced wheat flavor.
Instead of instant yeast, use active dry yeast; just remember to first activate it in lukewarm water.
Replace olive oil with vegetable oil or melted butter for a different flavor profile.
Instead of using regular yogurt, one can employ Greek yogurt for a thicker glaze.
For topping, you might use poppy seeds instead of sesame seeds.

Pro Tips

1. Activate Yeast for Better Rise Even though this recipe uses instant yeast, you can still activate it for better results. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the 300 ml of lukewarm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then proceed with mixing it into the flour.

2. Kneading Technique Use the “stretch and fold” technique during kneading. This not only develops gluten effectively but also incorporates air, leading to a lighter loaf. Stretch the dough out, fold it over, rotate, and repeat.

3. First Rise Enhancement To ensure the dough rises effectively, place the bowl in a slightly warm oven or a dedicated warm spot in your kitchen. You can even turn the oven on at its lowest temperature for a couple of minutes, turn it off, then put the dough inside to rise.

4. Alternative Glaze for Extra Shine For a shinier crust, consider adding a teaspoon of milk or water to the egg yolk and yogurt mixture for the glaze. Brush it on generously for a glossy finish.

5. Seed Topping Variation Toast the sesame and nigella seeds lightly in a dry skillet before using them as toppings. This enhances their flavor, giving your bread an aromatic and nutty finish.