Bazlama: Turkish Flatbread Recipe

Bazlama is a delightfully soft and fluffy Turkish flatbread that is incredibly easy to make at home. It’s perfect for pairing with dips, soups, or using as a wrap for various fillings. This bread drives everyone crazy with its delicious taste and perfect texture!

Ingredients:

  • Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons (10 grams)
  • Sugar: 2 teaspoons (10 grams)
  • Warm Water: 2/3 cup (165 milliliters)
  • Warm Milk: 2/3 cup (165 milliliters)
  • Flour: 500 grams (about 3 heaped cups), plus extra for dusting
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 grams)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters), plus extra for brushing
  • Parsley: Finely chopped, for garnish
  • Red Pepper Flakes: To taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
    • In a bowl, combine the dry yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir until the yeast and sugar are dissolved.
    • Add the warm milk and mix well.
    • Cover the bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
  2. Make the Dough:
    • Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add the salt.
    • Pour in the yeast mixture and begin mixing with a spoon.
    • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and continue to mix until well incorporated.
  3. Knead the Dough:
    • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 2 minutes. The dough should be very soft and slightly sticky.
  4. First Rise:
    • Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it, and leave it in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Flatbreads:
    • Once risen, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and gently deflate the dough.
    • Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and shape each into a ball. Keep the dough covered with a cloth to prevent drying out.
  6. Roll Out:
    • On a floured surface or a silicone mat, roll each ball into a circle approximately 18 centimeters (7 inches) in diameter and 5 millimeters thick.
  7. Cook:
    • Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
    • Place the rolled-out dough in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface.
    • Flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
  8. Finish:
    • Immediately cover the cooked flatbreads with a tea towel to keep them soft. While one bread cooks, roll out the next.
  9. Garnish:
    • Brush each flatbread with olive oil, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Serving Suggestions: Bazlama can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips such as hummus, baba ghanoush, or tzatziki. Alternatively, use it to wrap kebabs, grilled vegetables, or a variety of meats for a satisfying meal.

Enjoy the process of making these beautiful flatbreads at home and impress your family and guests with your baking skills!