Turkish Bazlama Flatbread with Butter
Tereyaฤlฤฑ Bazlama
This soft, pillowy Turkish flatbread has a mild yeasty flavor with a tender, slightly chewy texture. The golden-brown surface is brushed with melted butter, creating an irresistible aroma and rich taste. It's the perfect homemade bread for any meal or as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Activate the yeast
Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let stand for 5-8 minutes until foamy and bubbly on top. The mixture should smell yeasty and double in volume. Do not use hot water as it will kill the yeast.
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Make the dough
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Do not add too much flour or the bread will be dense.
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First rise
Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size. The dough should spring back slowly when gently poked. Do not let it over-rise or it will collapse.
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Divide and shape
Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a circle about 15cm diameter and 1cm thick on a floured surface. Let rest for 15-20 minutes until slightly puffed. Do not roll too thin or they won't puff properly.
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Prepare butter
Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fully liquefied and fragrant. Keep warm but not bubbling. The butter should be golden and smell nutty. Do not let it brown or burn.
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Cook the bazlama
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Cook each flatbread for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown spots appear and it puffs slightly. The surface should look dry and feel firm. Do not press down while cooking.
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Brush with butter
Immediately brush each hot bazlama generously with melted butter on both sides while still warm. Stack them on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel. The butter should soak in within 1-2 minutes. Do not skip this step while they're hot.
Tips
Cooking Tips
For extra soft bazlama, cover the stack with a damp towel immediately after buttering to create steam that keeps them perfectly tender.
Alternatives
All-purpose flour works but bread flour gives better texture. You can substitute melted clarified butter for regular butter for a nuttier flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve warm with Turkish cheese, tomatoes, and olives for breakfast, or alongside soups and stews. Store wrapped in plastic for 2 days, reheating briefly in a dry pan.
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