The Delight of Turkish Pide Bread

 

Ingredients 

To make traditional Turkish pide bread, you will need the following ingredients:

500g of all-purpose flour

7g of instant yeast

10g of salt

350ml of lukewarm water

30ml of olive oil

1 egg yolk (for glazing)

Sesame seeds and nigella seeds for sprinkling

Direction 

1. Preparing the Dough

 

Mixing the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Make a well in the center and gradually add the lukewarm water and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together.

Kneading the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Shaping the Bread

 

Dividing the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air and divide it into two equal portions.

Forming the Pide: Roll each portion into an oval shape, approximately 1 cm thick. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Creating the Pattern: Using your fingers, make indentations in a diagonal crisscross pattern across the surface of the dough. This step not only gives the bread its distinctive look but also helps it bake evenly.

3. Final Touches

 

Glazing: Beat the egg yolk and brush it over the surface of the dough to give it a beautiful, glossy finish.

Sprinkling the Seeds: Generously sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds over the top of the bread.

4. Baking the Pide

 

Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).

Baking: Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

5. Serving

Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Pide bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

Culinary Pairings

Pide bread’s versatility makes it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes:

Dips and Spreads: Serve it with hummus, baba ghanoush, or a yogurt-based dip.

Grilled Meats: It pairs wonderfully with kebabs, lamb chops, or grilled chicken.

Vegetarian Options: Use it to scoop up roasted vegetables, salads, or a hearty stew.

Cheese and Olives: Enjoy it with a selection of Turkish cheeses and olives for a simple yet satisfying meal.