Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water and sugar in a small bowl, sprinkle active dry yeast on top, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active and ready.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and yogurt if using, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead Until Smooth: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and stretchy, developing the gluten for fluffiness.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough gently and divide into equal portions. Shape each into round flat loaves or oval shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again and let rest for 30-45 minutes to allow the dough to rise further for an airy texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly spray the loaves with water, then bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best yeast activation and mixing.
- Don’t over-flour the dough to keep the bread soft and fluffy.
- Proof dough in a warm, draft-free environment to speed rising without harming yeast.
- Spraying water before baking helps create a crisp yet tender crust.
- Allow bread to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
- For variations, try substituting half the flour with whole wheat, adding herbs, brushing with garlic butter, or topping with sesame or nigella seeds.
- To make dairy-free, omit yogurt or replace with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium loaf
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Keywords: Turkish bread, soft bread, fluffy bread, Middle Eastern bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, vegan bread option, yogurt bread, traditional bread