You Won’t Buy Bread from the Store Anymore! A Turkish Baker’s Secret to Perfect Homemade Bread

In a small bowl, combine warm water with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This ensures the yeast is active and ready for use.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add the olive oil and the activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together to form a sticky dough.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Grease a clean bowl with a little oil and place your dough inside. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove the air bubbles.
Divide the dough into 2 equal portions (or more if you prefer smaller loaves) and shape each portion into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.
Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or in a round baking pan for a more rustic look.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the dough again with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it becomes puffy.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). If you want a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam during baking.
Before baking, optionally sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top for extra flavor.
Bake the bread for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Slice and enjoy the warm, freshly-baked Turkish bread!
Serving and Storage Tips