Turkish Pide Bread

While living in San Francisco during a travel nurse assignment, I volunteered on my days off to teach an immigrant family from Turkey how to speak English. Before leaving their house, the Mom would always send me home with a beautiful flatbread that she made that day. This memory has always meant a lot to me. It was her way to say how much she appreciated me through food. That's my favorite way to show people how much I care too! I hope you make this delicious bread with your family and friends.

Ingredients

2 cups of warm water (ideal temperature is 100-110F)
7 grams of active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
692 grams of all-purpose flour (4 ½ cups)
16 grams of olive oil (1 ½ tablespoons) plus more when shaping the dough
4 grams of granulated sugar (1 teaspoon sugar)
9 grams of Kosher salt (I used Diamond crystal) or 1 tablespoon
2 teaspoons each of white and black sesame seeds
1 Egg (just yoke)
1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
1 tablespoon of water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 F.
2. In a medium bowl, add the warm water, active yeast, and sugar. Stir until combined. Set aside for the yeast to activate, around 5 minutes. If activated, it should have a foam on top of the water. If not foamy, the yeast has either expired or has not been stored properly (I like to freeze mine, which keeps it fresher longer).
3. To a standing mixer with a dough hook attachment, add the yeast mixture, olive oil, flour and salt. Knead on medium-low speed for about 8-10 minutes.
4. When the dough is fully kneaded, it should pull away from the sides and should have a smooth texture. Also, you can do the poke test on the dough. Gently press your finger into the dough and if it springs back slowly, the dough has been properly kneaded.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oil coated bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm area in your kitchen and proof for 1 hour.
6. Once doubled in size, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide into two pieces.
7. Form the dough into a circular shape. Dip your fingers lightly in the olive oil and make indentions 1 inch from the edge to create an inner circle. Make a 1 inch diamond pattern within the inner circle.
8. Place dough on a baking sheet. Cover with kitchen towel and proof for 25 minutes.
9. Mix an egg yolk, water and yogurt together until combined. Brush the dough with the mixture and top with sesame seeds.
10. Fill a baking dish with 1 cup of water and place on the lower rack. This is going to give your bread a nice, crispy crust.
11. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!