Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1¼ cups warm water
- ¼ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Add the warm water, warm milk, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 6 minutes.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for approximately 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Shape it into a large round circle about 1 inch thick.
Using your fingertips, create the traditional diamond pattern across the surface of the dough without cutting through it completely.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Whisk together the egg yolk, yogurt, and one tablespoon of water.
Brush the mixture evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and nigella seeds.
Step 6: Second Rest
Allow the shaped dough to rest for 15 minutes while the oven preheats to 425°F (220°C).
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 16–18 minutes until the bread is puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
- Avoid adding too much flour, as soft dough produces lighter bread.
- Warm ingredients help activate the yeast more effectively.
- Brush the bread immediately before baking for a glossy finish.
- Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freeze baked bread for up to two months and reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Turkish flatbread pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, beef, soups, fresh salads, hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, olives, feta cheese, or olive oil with herbs. It also makes an excellent sandwich bread or wrap for lunches.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 255
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Calcium: 45mg
- Iron: 2mg