Homemade Turkish Açma

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, for topping Sesame seeds, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a long strip and twist it into a knot-like shape.
7. 7.
   Place the twisted dough knots onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
8. 8.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the Açma turns golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper rising of the dough.
• Milk — Warm the milk to around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.
• Butter — Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or orange blossom water to the dough.
• Serve Açma warm for the best taste and texture.
• You can freeze any leftover Açma and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Experiment with different toppings such as poppy seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Enjoy Açma with a variety of spreads like Nutella, jam, or cream cheese.

Serving advice

Serve Açma warm with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are still soft and fluffy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Açma on a platter or a bread basket, allowing their twisted shapes to be visible. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers.