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Turkish Soft Bagel (Açma) Recipe

4.6 from 83 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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