Sweet bread with Turkish delight

Sweet Bread with Turkish Delight: A Recipe That Brings Joy and Tradition in Every Bite

Sweet bread with Turkish delight is a classic dessert that reminds us of holidays, cherished moments spent with loved ones, and the enticing aroma that fills the house during baking. This recipe is not just a simple sweet bread; it's a true culinary experience that combines tradition with the unmistakable taste of Turkish delight. Get ready to discover the steps to create a fluffy, fragrant, and delicious sweet bread that will impress everyone.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

- 500 g all-purpose flour (preferably type 000)
- 50 ml warm milk
- 200 ml yogurt (you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 4 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- Juice of one lemon (for added freshness)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 50 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- Turkish delight (300 g, cut into strips)
- 1 egg (for glazing)
- 2 teaspoons of oil (for glazing)

Instructions

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt. Add 50 ml of warm milk and gently mix, allowing the yeast to activate for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy sweet bread, as the activated yeast will help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the center and add the beaten eggs, remaining sugar, salt, activated yeast, and lemon juice. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands. As the ingredients combine, gradually add the yogurt, continuing to knead.

3. Kneading the dough: When the dough begins to form, knead it vigorously for 10-15 minutes. It's important to achieve a smooth and elastic dough that no longer sticks to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid a dense sweet bread.

4. Adding the oil: Once the dough is well kneaded, gradually add the oil and continue kneading for a few more minutes until the oil is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth again. This step will make the dough richer and more flavorful.

5. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a draft-free place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in volume.

6. Filling the sweet bread: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each part into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Evenly place the strips of Turkish delight on each sheet, then tightly roll them up to form two logs.

7. Braiding the logs: Braid the two logs of dough together, then place them in a greased baking pan. Allow the sweet bread to rise in the pan for another 10-15 minutes.

8. Glazing the sweet bread: Beat an egg with 2 teaspoons of oil and brush the sweet bread with this mixture. This will help achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the sweet bread for 35-45 minutes or until it turns golden and is baked through. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the sweet bread is ready.

10. Finishing touches: After removing it from the oven, brush it with a mixture of water and 1 teaspoon of sugar to give it an attractive shine. Let it cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Helpful Tips

- You can also add ground nuts or raisins to the Turkish delight filling for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a more intense aroma, you can add a few drops of rum or vanilla essence to the dough.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting; this will help activate the yeast and achieve a fluffier dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to adjust the amount (approximately 7 g of dry yeast is equivalent to one cube of fresh yeast).

2. How can I keep the sweet bread fresh for longer?
Store the sweet bread in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

3. What drinks pair well with sweet bread with Turkish delight?
A cup of warm milk, a fragrant tea, or even a sweet wine can perfectly complement this dessert.

Sweet bread with Turkish delight is not just a dessert; it’s a true story unfolding in every bite. Whether you enjoy it with family at a festive meal or simply indulge in a slice during a relaxing afternoon, this sweet bread will always bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey full of flavors and traditions!