1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing as you go, until a sticky dough forms. Then, add the olive oil and mix until incorporated.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
2. First Rise:
- Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean, damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bread:
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts for two loaves. Shape each part into a ball, then gently flatten into a disk or oval shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaves onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
5. Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Gently brush the surface of the risen loaves with the beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top as desired.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you notice the bread browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the Turkish bread warm or at room temperature, as a side to your main dish, or simply enjoy it dipped in olive oil or with a spread of butter.
Tips:
- Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm but not hot to touch. Too hot water can kill the yeast, while too cold water won’t activate it properly.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is key to developing the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a flavored bread.
Enjoy the process of making Turkish bread and the delicious results of your efforts!