Turkish Soft Bagel (Açma) Recipe

Introduction

Açma is a beloved Turkish soft bagel, commonly found in bakeries throughout Turkey. This pastry is delightfully fluffy and slightly sweet, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a few key tips, you can easily recreate this treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup oil (corn, sunflower, or olive oil)
• 50g soft butter
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• All-purpose flour (approximately 4 1/2 cups)
• 2 eggs, whites and yolks separated
• Egg yolks (for brushing on top)
• Sesame seeds and black sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently to mix.
2. Step 2: Add oil, soft butter, salt, and egg whites into the milk mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough evenly for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, silky, and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough into pieces about the size of a golf ball, two pieces at a time. Roll each piece into a long, thin shape like a snake.
6. Step 6: Twist the two rolled dough pieces together and join the edges to form a ring-shaped bagel.
7. Step 7: Beat the egg yolks and brush them generously over each bagel.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle sesame seeds and black sesame seeds on top, if desired.
9. Step 9: Place the bagels on a lightly greased baking sheet.
10. Step 10: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the yeast activates properly for a soft texture.
• For extra flavor, substitute part of the oil with melted butter.
• Try topping with nigella seeds or a mix of white and black sesame seeds for added texture and appearance.
• If you prefer, you can brush the bagels with a mixture of egg yolk and a little water to achieve a shinier crust.

Storage

Store leftover açma in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until soft and fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but activate it first by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding to the other ingredients.

Why should the dough rest in a warm place?

Resting the dough in a warm place helps the yeast to ferment and expand the dough, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture essential for açma.

Turkish Soft Bagel (Açma) Recipe

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Turkish Soft Bagel, known as Açma, is a popular bakery treat in Turkey characterized by its soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor. This recipe guides you through creating the perfect Açma at home by emphasizing key steps like using room temperature ingredients, thorough kneading, and proper dough rising. The bagels are shaped by twisting two dough strands into rings, brushed with egg yolk, optionally topped with sesame seeds, and baked until golden brown, resulting in irresistibly soft and flavorful pastries perfect for breakfast or snacks.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 Açma (Turkish soft bagels) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup oil (corn, sunflower, or olive oil)
• 50g soft butter
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• All-purpose flour (approx. 4 and 1/2 cups)
• 2 egg whites (from separated eggs)

Topping

• 2 egg yolks (from separated eggs)
• Sesame seeds (white and/or black), optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine lukewarm milk and water, then stir in the sugar and instant yeast until dissolved and slightly foamy.
2. Add fats, salt, and egg whites: Mix in oil, softened butter, salt, and the egg whites into the milk mixture, blending evenly to prepare for flour addition.
3. Knead the dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour while kneading the dough evenly for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, silky, and elastic.
4. Let dough rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot to rise for a few hours until it doubles in size, ensuring a fluffy texture.
5. Shape the bagels: Divide the dough, taking two golf ball-sized pieces at a time; roll each piece into thin, long snakes, then twist them together and join the ends to form a circular ring.
6. Prepare for baking: Beat the egg yolks and brush generously over the shaped bagels. Optionally, sprinkle white and black sesame seeds on top as preferred.
7. Bake the bagels: Place the bagels on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
8. Cool and serve: Remove the bagels from the oven, let them cool slightly on a rack, and enjoy fresh as a soft and aromatic Turkish pastry.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for optimal dough texture and rising.
• Kneading well is crucial to achieve a soft and fluffy texture.
• Let the dough rise until doubled to develop flavor and proper elasticity.
• Optional sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so watch for a golden brown color.
• These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

Keywords: Turkish bagel, Açma, soft bagel recipe, Turkish pastry, homemade bagel, breakfast bread, twisted bread