Image Credit: Mama’s Cooking Recipes
**Ingredients:**
– 500g (4 cups) flour
– 160ml (2/3 cup) warm milk
– 160ml (2/3 cup) warm water
– 7g (2 tsp) dry yeast
– 10g (1 tbsp) sugar
– 6g (1 tsp) salt
– 20ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
– **Gather Ingredients**: Grab your warm milk, warm water, dry yeast, and sugar.
– **Mix**: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently.
– **Let it Sit**: Allow the mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough
– **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
– **Add Wet Ingredients**: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
– **Mix**: Start mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the Dough
– **Knead**: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
– **Rest**: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Bread
– **Punch Down**: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
– **Divide and Shape**: Divide the dough into small portions (about the size of a golf ball). Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
5. Cook the Bread
– **Preheat the Pan**: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
– **Cook**: Place a few dough balls into the pan, making sure they have enough space to expand. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Final Touches
– **Cool**: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
– **Serve**: Enjoy your Turkish Milk Bread warm with a bit of butter or your favorite dip!
**Tips for Success:**
– **Temperature Matters**: Make sure the milk and water are warm, but not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
– **Kneading is Key**: Knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Give each dough ball enough space to cook evenly.
**Serving Suggestions:**
– Serve with a spread of honey or jam for a sweet treat.
– Pair with savory dips like hummus or baba ganoush.
– Perfect as a side with soups or stews.
Enjoy making this delightful bread! Baking is not just about the end result, but also about enjoying the process. Happy baking!
