I used to think making bread was a daunting task. And though it can be at times, especially because I don’t have a stand mixer, I find it enjoyable and therapeutic. After all, what’s better after a stressful day than a ball of dough you can squeeze?
Here’s a deliciously simple recipe for white bread. It’s similar to a French bread loaf and should be eaten the same day to avoid drying out. It takes a bit of time, yes, but once you smell the aroma of the dough, watch the bread rise on the countertop and then in your oven, then sample the hot, fresh bread, you’ll be hooked. At least I was.
Oh, and this recipe doesn’t utilize a stand mixer. But if you have one with a dough hook, use it—you’ll save a lot of time and arm work.
To Make This Recipe You’ll Need:
1 packet yeast
1 ½ cups warm water
Pinch of sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 Tablespoons olive oil
4 cups all-purpose flour
To Make This Recipe
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit 10 minutes. If your yeast is fresh, it will bubble. If not, you need to get a new packet and start over. It should foam some.
Add the salt, oil, and half of the flour and mix with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing well with a wooden spoon.
On a well-floured surface, knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes. To do this, fold the dough in half and press down with the palm of your hand. Then turn the dough 180 degrees and repeat. Continue to do this until the dough becomes elastic.
Place the dough in a large, greased bowl (with olive oil), cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and allow the dough the rise until it’s doubled in size (about 1 hour 30 min). Punch it down (literally) then cover the bowl again and let it rise again for another 1 hour 30 minutes until it has doubled in size. Punch the dough a third time, then divide the dough into 2-4 pieces (you can make 2 loaves of bread or 4 individual sandwich hoagie-type rolls). Roll each piece into an oblong shape then roll up and pinch the ends to seal and form long loaves.
Place the loaves on a greased sheet pan. Slash the top of each loaf 3 times diagonally with a knife (gently). Brush the top of the dough with water or with an egg wash and top with sesame seeds liberally (optional) Allow rising again for an hour.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Bread will sound hollow when you tap it if it’s done.
More Turkish Recipes:
Baklava
Beef Stew
Turkish Green Beans