Experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality with every bite of the delightful "Turkish Ramadan Bread" (Ramazan Pidesi). This soft, pillowy bread is not just a feast for the senses; it’s a cherished tradition that brings families together during the holy month of Ramadan. Imagine the tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen as you bake these golden loaves, perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying alongside your favorite dishes. Ready to impress your loved ones and elevate your iftar meals? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the secrets to crafting this delectable bread right at home!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Turkish
Serves: 4 loaves
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 300ml warm water
- 10g salt
- 10g sugar
- 10g instant yeast
- 30ml olive oil
- Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
- In a separate large bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and add salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour well. Mix the ingredients gradually, bringing the flour from the sides into the liquid until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rest for another 30 minutes to prove.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers, creating characteristic dimples across the surface.
- Brush the surface of each bread with water and generously sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Create a traditional criss-cross pattern on the surface by gently pressing with your fingertips or the back of a fork.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm, traditionally during Ramadan iftar meals.
Tips
- Use Warm Water: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly. This helps create that perfect rise for your bread.
- Knead Well: Don’t rush the kneading process! Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. This is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Let it Rise: For the best results, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on to create a cozy environment.
- Shape with Care: When shaping the dough balls, be gentle to maintain the air bubbles inside, which contribute to a light and airy texture.
- Perfect the Topping: For an authentic touch, don’t skip the sesame seeds! They add a nutty flavor and a beautiful finish to your bread.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, tap the bottom; it should sound hollow. If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Serve Warm: This bread is best enjoyed warm, so serve it fresh out of the oven to enhance the flavors and experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
