Shaker-churek - Traditional Uzbek Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 15g (1 tbsp) honey 15g (1 tbsp) honey
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 200 kcal / 836 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the honey to the warm water and stir until dissolved.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the honey water into the flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 6 equal portions.
8. 8.
   Shape each portion into a round ball and flatten it into a disc shape, about 1cm (½ inch) thick.
9. 9.
   Place the discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of each disc for garnish.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let the Shaker-churek cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly chewier texture.
• Honey — The honey adds a touch of sweetness to the bread. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the amount of honey or omit it entirely.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispier crust, you can brush the bread with water before baking.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the dough.
• Experiment with different toppings such as nigella seeds or poppy seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve the Shaker-churek warm for the best taste and texture.
• Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Serving advice

Shaker-churek is best served warm, either on its own or as a side to a variety of Uzbek dishes. It pairs well with kebabs, stews, and dips such as hummus or baba ganoush. Tear off a piece of the bread and use it to scoop up the flavors of your meal.

Presentation advice

To present the Shaker-churek, place the golden-brown bread on a wooden cutting board or a decorative bread basket. Sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for an appealing visual touch. Serve alongside other Uzbek dishes to create an authentic and inviting spread.