Ramadan Pide Bread

Experience the delightful texture of traditional Pide bread, specifically popular during Ramadan. This soft and fragrant flatbread, topped with sesame seeds, makes a perfect accompaniment to any Middle Eastern meal. Its fluffy interior and golden crust are thanks to a carefully crafted process, ensuring each bite is rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

Dough:
🥛 1 1/4 cups lukewarm milk
🍯 1 teaspoon sugar
🍞 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌾 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
💧 1/2 cup water

Egg Wash:
🥚 1 egg
🥄 1 tablespoon yogurt

Topping:
⚪️ White sesame seeds (equal amount)
⚫️ Black sesame seeds (equal amount)

Instructions

Activate the Yeast:
- In a medium bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, and sugar.
- Whisk the ingredients together, cover the bowl with a cloth, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Prepare the Dough:
- Add the olive oil, salt, flour, and water to the yeast mixture.
- Use a KitchenAid mixer or your hands to mix until a smooth dough forms.
Proof the Dough:
- Lightly coat the inside of your mixing bowl with olive oil.
- Place the dough back into the bowl, turning it to coat it with oil.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Dough:
- After proofing, punch down the dough to release the air.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts.
Roll Out the Dough:
- On a non-stick mat or lightly floured surface, roll out each dough half into a circle.
- Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover with a cloth, and let it rest a second time for about 15 minutes.
Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, mix the egg and yogurt until smooth.
Create the Design:
- Brush the egg wash over the entire surface of the dough.
- Using your fingers, create a circular pattern along the edges and a diamond pattern in the center to achieve the classic Pide design.
Add Toppings:
- Generously sprinkle both black and white sesame seeds over the dough.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Bake the Pide for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool:
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on a baking rack before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including resting)
Servings: 2 large bread loaves
Calories: Approximately 200
Proteins: 6 g
Fats: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Equipment: KitchenAid mixer, non-stick mat, rolling pin, baking tray, parchment paper