Turkish Milk Bread - Pan Fried

This Turkish Milk Bread is incredibly soft, fluffy, and golden brown, cooked to perfection in a pan. With simple ingredients and no oven required, it's an ideal bread for any meal or as a snack on its own!

Yield

10-12 small flatbreads

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the warm milk, water, melted butter, and yogurt to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand (or 5-7 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Bread

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
2. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal portions and shape each piece into a ball.
3. Roll each ball into a flat circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Cook the Bread

1. Heat a nonstick skillet or pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil or butter.
2. Place one piece of dough in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the bottom is golden brown.
3. Flip the bread and cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough, adding more oil or butter to the pan as needed.

Garnish and Serve

1. Brush the warm breads with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.
2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Tips for Success

• Milk Temperature: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Soft Dough: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Add a little extra flour if it's too wet.
• Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest ensures soft, fluffy bread.
• Reheat: Warm the bread in a pan or microwave before serving to restore its softness.