This traditional Turkish bazlama flatbread features a soft, pillowy texture with a golden exterior that puffs beautifully when cooked. Perfect as a side dish or for wrapping kebabs and other Turkish delicacies, this homemade bread brings the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 180ml milk / ¾ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 180ml water / ¾ cup water (room temperature)
- 10g instant dry yeast / 1 tbsp instant dry yeast
- 550g flour / 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt / 1 tsp salt
- 75g butter / 5 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste / Salt to taste (for butter mixture)
- 15g fresh parsley / ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove / 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Prepare liquid base: Combine room temperature milk and water in a large mixing bowl.
- Activate yeast: Add instant dry yeast to the liquid mixture and stir until completely dissolved.
- Add salt: Mix in the salt until well incorporated.
- Form dough: Gradually add flour while mixing, then knead until you achieve a smooth, non-sticky, soft dough (about 8-10 minutes by hand).
- First rise: Place dough in a warm location for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size. Cover with a damp cloth.
- Divide dough: Punch down risen dough and divide into 4 equal portions.
- Shape flatbreads: Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into 1cm thick round discs using a rolling pin.
- Heat pan: Preheat a dry skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook bazlama: Cook each flatbread for approximately 1 minute per side, turning occasionally until puffed and golden brown on both sides.
- Prepare herb butter: Melt butter and mix with salt, chopped parsley, and minced garlic.
- Finish and serve: Optionally brush hot flatbreads with the herb butter mixture.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4 large flatbreads
Nutrition (per flatbread): Approximately 320 calories, 10g protein, 58g carbs, 6g fat, 3g fiber
Why This Turkish Flatbread Recipe is Wholesome
Bazlama provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and contains protein from both flour and milk, supporting muscle health. The yeast fermentation process creates beneficial compounds and makes the bread easier to digest. Fresh parsley adds vitamin C and antioxidants, while garlic provides natural antimicrobial properties. This homemade bread contains no preservatives or artificial additives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought flatbreads. The combination of milk and flour also provides calcium and B vitamins essential for bone health and metabolism.