Meze bread is a staple in Turkish cuisine, often served as an appetizer or side dish alongside various dips and spreads. This versatile and delicious bread is easy to make and can be customized with different toppings and flavors to suit your taste. In this article, we will share a traditional Turkish meze bread recipe that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Istanbul. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic dish.
A Turkish meze platter is a perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. It is a spread of small dishes, similar to tapas, that are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. The platter typically includes a variety of dips, spreads, and grilled or marinated vegetables. Some popular meze dishes include hummus, baba ghanoush, and dolma. The combination of flavors and textures in a meze platter perfectly complements the smokiness of a beer can chicken.
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Turkish Meze – Circassian Chicken
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Carrots, Water, Peppercorns, Bay Leaves
One of the most popular dishes in a Turkish meze platter is Circassian chicken. This delicious chicken dish is made with a rich and creamy walnut sauce that is flavored with spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander. The chicken is usually boiled and then shredded before being mixed with the sauce. Serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves for a refreshing and satisfying appetizer.
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Turkish Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Caster Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose
No meal in Turkey is complete without bread. Turkish bread is a staple in the Turkish cuisine and is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. It is a round and flat bread that is usually cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a crispy crust and soft interior. The bread is often topped with sesame seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor. Tear off a piece of warm Turkish bread and use it to soak up the juices from your beer can chicken.
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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
If you want to elevate your bread game, try making bazlama, a type of Turkish flatbread. This bread is made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt but is full of flavor. It is typically cooked on a griddle and can be served with your beer can chicken or used to make sandwiches. For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some sumac on top of your bazlama before serving.
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Cherry Turkish Taffy
Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter
For a sweet and tangy treat to complement your beer can chicken, try making cherry Turkish taffy. This traditional Turkish candy is made with sugar, corn syrup, and cherry juice. It is boiled until it thickens and then stretched and cut into bite-sized pieces. The tartness of the cherries balances out the richness of the beer can chicken, making it a perfect pairing.
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Crusty Bread
Main Ingredients: Unbleached All Purpose Flour, Salt, Yeast, Water
Nothing beats a slice of crusty bread to go with your beer can chicken. This simple bread is made with just flour, water, yeast, and salt but is full of flavor and texture. The crust is crispy and the interior is soft and chewy. Use the crusty bread to make a sandwich with your leftover beer can chicken or simply enjoy it dipped in some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
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Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Packed Brown Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Bananas, All Purpose
If you have a sweet tooth, try making banana bread to serve with your beer can chicken. This classic quick bread is made with mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and a variety of spices. The sweetness of the bread complements the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Top your banana bread with some walnuts for an added crunch.
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Miracle Bread
Main Ingredients: White Bread Flour, Sugar, Salt, Instant Yeast
Miracle bread is a popular Turkish bread that is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. It is made with a combination of flour, yogurt, and yeast, giving it a unique texture and tangy taste. The bread is typically shaped into a round loaf and topped with sesame or nigella seeds. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and filling meal.
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Challah Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Instant Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Large Eggs, Unsalted
Challah bread is a braided bread that is traditionally eaten during Jewish holidays. It is made with flour, water, eggs, and oil, giving it a rich and buttery flavor. The bread is often served on Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, and is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Use honey as a glaze on top of your challah bread for a touch of sweetness.
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Irish Soda Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Butter, Currants
Irish soda bread is a simple and hearty bread that is perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. It is made with flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt, and can be flavored with ingredients like raisins or caraway seeds. The bread is traditionally served on St. Patrick's Day, but is delicious any time of the year.
Crusty Italian bread is a staple in many households and is a perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. It is a rustic bread that is typically made with flour, water, yeast, and salt, but can also include ingredients like olive oil and herbs for added flavor. The crusty exterior and soft interior of this bread make it perfect for dipping in the juices from your beer can chicken.
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Starbucks Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Bananas, Vegetable Oil, Egg, Vanilla Extract, Sugar
If you're a fan of Starbucks' banana bread, why not try making it at home to serve with your beer can chicken? This moist and flavorful bread is made with mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. It is a great way to use up any overripe bananas and is a must-try for any banana bread lover.
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Best Homemade Bread
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, White Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Salt
Bread lovers will agree that there is nothing quite like a homemade loaf of bread. The smell of freshly baked bread is enough to make your mouth water, and it is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Whether you prefer a crusty French baguette or a soft and fluffy brioche, nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own bread from scratch.
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Artisan Bread
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Active Dry Yeast, Sea Salt, Water
If you want to take your bread-making skills to the next level, try making artisan bread to serve with your beer can chicken. Artisan bread is made with simple ingredients but requires a longer fermentation process and a bit more skill. The result is a bread with a crispy crust and an open and airy interior, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from your beer can chicken.
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Healthy Banana Bread!
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Honey, Eggs, Mashed Ripe Bananas, Milk
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional banana bread, try making a healthier version to enjoy with your beer can chicken. This banana bread is made with whole wheat flour, honey, and Greek yogurt, making it a guilt-free treat. It is still just as delicious and moist as traditional banana bread, but with added health benefits.
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Easy Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon, Unsalted Butter
If you're short on time but still want to serve banana bread with your beer can chicken, try making an easy version. This quick and simple banana bread is made with a boxed cake mix, mashed bananas, and a few other basic ingredients. It is a great solution for when you want banana bread but don't have the time or energy to make it from scratch.
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Moist Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Flour, Baking
One of the keys to making a delicious banana bread is ensuring that it is moist and not dry. This recipe for moist banana bread is foolproof and is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The secret ingredient? Sour cream. It adds moisture and tanginess to the bread, making it extra delicious.
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Banana Nut Bread
Main Ingredients: Bananas, Butter, Eggs, Flour, Baking Soda, Sugar
If you're a fan of nuts in your bread, try making a banana nut bread to enjoy with your beer can chicken. This recipe combines mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to create a sweet and crunchy bread. Serve it toasted with a spread of creamy butter for a satisfying and indulgent treat.
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Lemon Blueberry Bread
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Unsalted Butter, Granulated
If you want to switch things up from traditional banana bread, try making lemon blueberry bread to serve with your beer can chicken. This bread is flavored with lemon zest and juice and is studded with juicy blueberries. The tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the blueberries make for a delicious and refreshing combination.
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Vegan Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Bananas, Canola Oil, Light
For those following a vegan diet, there are plenty of options for bread to serve with your beer can chicken. This vegan banana bread is made with mashed bananas, flour, coconut oil, and almond milk. It is just as moist and flavorful as traditional banana bread but without any animal products. Serve it as a dessert or enjoy it as a snack.
Making the Dough
Gather Your Ingredients
To make the perfect meze bread, you will need all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and warm water. These simple ingredients come together to create a soft and chewy dough that is the foundation of this dish.
Mix and Knead
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Slowly add in the warm water and mix until a smooth dough forms. Next, knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic and easy to work with. This step is crucial in developing the gluten in the dough, giving the bread its characteristic chewy texture.
Rise and Rest
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. This allows the yeast to activate and the dough to double in size. After it has risen, punch down the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will make it easier to shape and roll out.
Shaping and Baking
Divide and Roll
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into balls. Then, on a floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin circle. You can also use a rolling pin to achieve a more uniform thickness.
Add Toppings
Now comes the fun part – adding your toppings! Traditional meze bread is topped with sesame seeds, nigella seeds, and oregano. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as chopped garlic, chili flakes, or dried thyme.
Bake and Enjoy
Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the meze bread for 12-15 minutes, until it is golden brown and crispy on the edges. Serve warm and enjoy with your favorite dips and spreads. This bread is perfect for parties or gatherings, as it can be easily shared and enjoyed by all.
Final Thoughts
Meze bread is a delicious and versatile dish that is a must-try for all food lovers. With its simple ingredients and customizable toppings, it is a great way to add a taste of Turkish cuisine to your meals. So next time you are looking for a new bread recipe, give this Turkish meze bread a try and impress your taste buds with its irresistible flavors.
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