In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This means the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, olive oil, and yogurt.
Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much, as the dough should remain soft.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Roll out the dough into an oval or round shape, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. If you prefer smaller pieces, divide the dough into two or more portions before shaping.
Transfer the shaped dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Create the Pide Pattern:
Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, gently press into the dough to create an indented criss-cross or diamond pattern across the top. This is a traditional pattern for Turkish bread.
7. Apply the Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with a splash of water. Brush the egg wash over the surface of the dough. This gives the bread a beautiful golden color when baked.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds on top if desired for added flavor and texture.
8. Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Bake the bread for about 15-18 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffed up. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside stews, or using as a base for sandwiches.
Tips for Perfect Turkish Bread:
Add Steam for Crispier Crust: To create a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking. The steam will help create that perfect crusty exterior.
Experiment with Flavors: You can add a bit of garlic or rosemary to the dough for a unique flavor twist. You can also top the bread with za’atar or sumac for extra flavor.
Freeze for Later: This bread freezes well! Simply let it cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze. To reheat, thaw it at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Make it Flat or Puffy: Depending on how thick you shape the dough, you can create a flat version (perfect for wraps or kebabs) or a thicker, more puffy version (great for dipping and sandwiches).
