This No-Knead Turkish Bread is incredibly easy to make and offers a delicious, soft, and fluffy texture that’s perfect for any meal. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can enjoy freshly baked bread that’s rich in flavor and has a beautiful, golden crust. Follow this step-by-step guide to create this traditional Turkish bread at home.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 2/3 cups (400 ml) lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 4 cups (480 g) flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 tablespoon cold water (10 ml)
- 1 2/3 tablespoons boiled water (25 ml)
- 1 egg yolk
Procedure
1. Mixing and Activating the Yeast
- Prepare the yeast mixture:
Start by dissolving 1 teaspoon of sugar in 200 ml of lukewarm water. Add 2 teaspoons of dry yeast to the mixture and stir until combined. The sugar helps activate the yeast, making it ready for the dough. - Let it rest:
Sprinkle 1 cup of flour into the yeast mixture, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the yeast will activate, and the mixture should become frothy and bubbly.
2. Gradual Ingredient Addition
- Add water and flour:
After the yeast has activated, pour the remaining 200 ml of lukewarm water into the mixture. Gradually add 3 more cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a compact dough. There’s no need to knead the dough extensively—just mix until everything is well combined. - Allow rising:
Cover the dough again and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until it doubles in size. The warmth helps the yeast to work, allowing the dough to rise beautifully.
3. Shaping the Dough
- Transfer and knead:
Once the dough has risen, transfer it onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough briefly by hand to release any air bubbles and to make it easier to shape. - Shape the dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each portion into an elliptical or round shape, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Coating Preparation
- Prepare the coating:
In a small bowl, mix 2/3 tablespoon of cold water with 1 2/3 tablespoons of boiled water to create a lukewarm mixture. Add 1 egg yolk to the mixture and whisk until well combined. This coating will give the bread a beautiful golden color and shine.
5. Making Schematic Indentations
- Indent the dough:
Using your fingers, gently press down on the surface of the dough to create indentations. This traditional pattern helps the bread cook evenly and gives it an authentic look. - Coat the dough:
Brush the egg yolk mixture generously over the surface of the dough, ensuring it gets into the indentations as well. For added flavor, you can sprinkle sesame seeds or cumin seeds on top before baking.
6. Baking the Bread
- Bake the bread:
Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F). Place a pot of boiling water on the lower rack of the oven—this creates steam, which helps the bread develop a crispy crust. Bake the bread on the upper rack for about 15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Tips for Perfect Turkish Bread
- Keep ingredients ready:
Ensure all ingredients, especially the water and egg, are at room temperature for optimal results. This helps the dough rise evenly and bake perfectly. - Watch the rising time:
Monitor the dough closely during the rising process to avoid overproofing. Overproofed dough can collapse or develop an overly yeasty flavor. - Experiment with toppings:
Get creative with toppings like sesame seeds, cumin, or nigella seeds to add extra flavor and texture to your bread.
Serving Suggestions
This Turkish bread is versatile and can be served warm with butter, olive oil, or your favorite dips. It’s perfect for accompanying meals like soups, stews, or as a base for sandwiches.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 10-12 slices per loaf
- Calories per serving: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
Conclusion
This No-Knead Turkish Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. With a soft, fluffy interior and a beautifully golden crust, it’s a wonderful addition to any meal. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to bread-making, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this traditional bread, made right at home!
