Description
This traditional Turkish bread recipe yields a flavorful, crusty loaf with a soft interior, perfect for accompanying meals or enjoying on its own. The bread is distinctly decorated with diamond-shaped indentations and topped with a shiny egg wash and black sesame seeds, giving it an appealing look and nutty finish.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoons rapid rise yeast
- 5 ounces water (110℉ – 115℉)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Topping:
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds (or sesame seeds, optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the bread flour, sugar, rapid rise yeast, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Water and Mix Dough: Pour the warm water (110℉ – 115℉) into the center of the dry ingredients and stir together until the dough forms. The dough will be very wet and sticky at this stage.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Work Surface: Lightly sprinkle some flour on your countertop to prevent sticking.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough to the floured counter and shape it gently into a flat circle without deflating it excessively.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a heavy baking sheet with olive oil to prevent the bread from sticking during baking.
- Second Rise: Place the dough onto the oiled baking sheet, cover it again, and allow it to rise for an additional 45 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Create Pattern: Using your fingertips, press indentations about 1 inch from the edge of the dough all the way around. Then, with the back of a butter knife, gently score diagonal lines inside the circle, first in one direction, then the opposite, creating diamond shapes across the dough surface.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until well blended.
- Apply Egg Wash and Seeds: Brush the egg wash evenly over the dough’s surface. Quickly sprinkle with black sesame seeds for garnish and extra flavor.
- Bake Bread: Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes at 450°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- The dough is sticky due to high hydration; avoid adding excessive flour when shaping to keep bread tender.
- Use warm water to properly activate the yeast for optimal rise.
- Black sesame seeds add a nutty aroma, but regular sesame seeds can be used as a substitute.
- The egg wash contributes to a glossy, golden crust.
- Make sure to preheat the oven fully before baking for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish