How to Make Soft and Chewy Balkan Bread - A Step-by-Step Guide

Soft and Chewy Balkan Bread is a traditional recipe that has been handed down through generations in the Balkan region. This delightful bread is a staple in many Balkan homes, and is often enjoyed with meals or as a snack. The soft and chewy texture of this bread makes it perfect for dipping in soups, stews, or enjoying on its own with a smear of butter or cheese. Whether you're a fan of Balkan cuisine or just looking for a new bread recipe to try, Soft and Chewy Balkan Bread is sure to becom...

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Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 ½ teaspoons white sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 cups bread flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 5

  • Mix milk and water in a pot over low heat. Heat, stirring constantly, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the pot reads 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Remove from heat. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Pour mixture into a cup or other cylindrical glass; sprinkle yeast on top. Let mixture rest until yeast is frothy and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Turn dough out on a floured work surface and knead quickly for 5 minutes. Shape dough into a ball. Grease a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add dough; toss around the bowl a few times to coat evenly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Return dough back to the work surface and punch down. Coat your hands with a little olive oil and knead again for 1 minute. Divide into 5 balls. Flatten balls out into thick rectangles. Place rectangles of dough onto a greased baking sheet. Brush tops with a thin coat of olive oil. Let rest for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) while dough rests.
  • Bake bread in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Switch to the broil setting until the tops of rolls turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Remove from the baking sheet and allow to cool completely. Cut rolls in half lengthwise.
  • Nutrition

    296 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 3mg
    • Sodium: 249mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 38g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 8g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 47mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 137mg