How to make Turkish Bread-Tips to make them soft and puff up

Step 1

In a big bowl take lukewarm water. Add sugar and yeast.

Step 2

Give it a quick stir to dissolve the sugar and let the yeast bloom for 10 to 15 minutes

Step 3

The mixture should turn frothy. If you don't see any bubbles or any froth you probably need to use new yeast!

Step 4

Add all purpose flour, salt, plain unsweetened yogurt and olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Step 5

Combine to form a dough. Make sure that the dough is slightly sticky and wet (you may need to add one or two more tablespoons of water)

Step 6

Add another tablespoon of olive oil and the dough should come together

Step 7

Knead the dough well and shape it like a ball

Step 8

Rub some olive oil on the walls of the bowl so the dough doesn't stick too much to the bowl

Step 9

Cover the door with a cling wrap or a lid and place it in a warm place for 1 hour

Step 10

The dough should have doubled in size

Step 11

Sprinkle some dry flour on your work surface and place the expanded dough on it. Carefully fold the dough to form a loaf shape and divide it into four portions

Step 12

Make sure not to need the dough anymore. We want to preserve the air pockets that have formed so that the flat bread turns out soft

Step 13

Make smooth balls out of the four portions, cover them and let them rest for 10 minutes

Step 14

Sprinkle some dry flour on your work surface, press and flatten the dough balls

Step 15

Briefly use your rolling pin to flatten the dough to 8-10-inch circles

Step 16

Pre-heat your pan for 5 minutes on medium-high heat and place the rolled out dough

Step 17

After 20 to 30 seconds you will see little bubbles coming up, at this point you can flip the bread and cook for another 30 seconds

Step 18

Flip the bread another time and this time it should start to puff up

Step 19

After it has totally puffed up, flip it back and cook for another 20 to 30 seconds

Step 20

Cover the flatbread with a cloth to keep it soft and warm

Step 21

Possible toppings on the bread: butter, olive oil, chilli flakes, chopped coriander or parsley

Step 22

Tip 1: Make the dough with plain unsweetened yogurt instead of milk. This will make the bread softer and tastier

Step 23

Tip 2: The consistency of the dough should be super soft. Initially the dough is going to feel wet and sticky but it's going to come together as soon as you add a little bit oil. If your dough is dry and hard your flatbread will turn out like a pizza base lol!

Step 24

Tip 3: Once the dough has fermented and expanded, don't knead it anymore. This way they would be minimal gluten formation and the flatbreads will turn out softer

Step 25

Tip 4: When you make the dough balls or when you roll out the dough, make sure there are no holes or cracks otherwise the flatbread will not puff up

Step 26

Tip 5: Make sure to preheat the pan for 5 minutes on medium-high heat before cooking the bread. If the pan is on low heat your bread won't puff up very well

Step 27

Tip 6: Make sure to wrap the flatbread in a cloth as soon as it comes off the pan. This way they will stay warm and soft