You Won’t Believe It’s Gluten-Free: Tahini Bread Recipe
When it comes to baking, there’s something so satisfying about taking raw ingredients and turning them into a delicious masterpiece. Today, I want to share with you my recipe for Tahini Bread, also known as Tahinli Ekmek. This bread is a staple in Turkish culture and beyond, loved for its subtle sweetness and nutty sesame flavor.
Not only is this bread easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite dips or spreads. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using it as a base for your favorite sandwich or even pairing it with some savory dishes.
But don’t just take my word for it—trust me when I say that once you try this bread, you’ll keep coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started on baking some delicious Turkish Tahini Bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tahini Bread, also known as Tahinli Ekmek, is a unique and delicious type of bread that originated in Turkey. This bread is rich in flavor, with a nutty and slightly sweet taste that will leave you craving for more. If you are looking for an alternative to plain old bread, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
The key ingredient in this recipe is tahini, which is made from sesame seeds that have been ground into a smooth paste. Tahini is packed with nutrients and is known to be a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Incorporating tahini into your diet can have numerous health benefits, making this recipe not only delicious but also nutritious.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there! This bread is also flavored filled with swirls of tahini made with nigella seeds. The combination of the sesame and nigella seeds gives it a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for any time of the day. Have it for breakfast, toasted and spread with butter or cream cheese. Or enjoy it as dessert-like sweet rolls alongside tea or coffee.
Making this bread at home isn’t hard! Once you follow the steps outlined in the recipe, you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful bread that’ll marvel anyone who tries it.
Overall, whoever enjoys whole grain or fancy loaves should try this one-of-a-kind breadcrumb today!
Ingredient List
To make Tahini Bread Tahinli Ekmek, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup tahini (Turkish sesame paste)
- 3 1/2 cups flour, plus more for kneading
- 1 stick butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup warm water
For the topping, you’ll need:
- Sesame seeds
- Nigella seeds (also known as black cumin or kalonji seeds)
Note: If you cannot find tahini paste, you can make your own by blending roasted sesame seeds in a food processor until smooth.
The Recipe How-To
First, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, add sugar to scalded milk and butter, and let it sit until it’s cool enough not to kill the yeast. When you’re ready, add this mixture slowly to the yeast mixture while whisking.
Next, add flour and begin to knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. If necessary, sprinkle in more flour if it’s too sticky.
Letting the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp towel and set aside for about an hour, or until the dough has risen to double its original size.
Forming the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, begin shaping your rolls. Make sure not to use too much pressure when rolling so that they’re not flattened. The rolls should be about an inch in diameter and three inches long.
Baking Instructions
Once all the rolls are formed, brush them with beaten egg and sprinkle them with a mix of sesame, nigella seeds. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Be careful not to underbake them; they should be firm to touch but not hard.
Congratulations! Your tahini bread rolls are ready to be served or stored for later eating enjoyment.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re itching to put a new twist on this Tahini Bread Tahinli Ekmek recipe, here are some substitutions and variations that you can experiment with.
Firstly, if sesame seeds aren’t your thing, try swapping out the sesame and nigella seed topping for poppy seeds or sunflower seeds. Or, if you want to boost the sweet factor, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top of the bread before baking.
If you’d like to make this recipe even healthier, replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It may end up having a slightly denser texture, but the nutty flavor will be worth it.
Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try filling the bread with something other than tahini. Maybe switch it up with almond butter or chocolate hazelnut spread for a sweeter take on this recipe. Alternatively, fill with cheese or savory dips.
Lastly, consider cutting the dough into smaller pieces for rolls (tahinli çörek) instead of one large loaf. These rolls are perfect for dinner parties or an afternoon snack alongside tea. Or if you want to go back to being basic use puff pastry around the filling and make sweet rolls without kneading and proving.
The possibilities are endless – don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your tahini bread tahinli ekmek is ready, it’s time to think about serving and pairing options. This bread is a versatile option that can be eaten on its own or paired with many different dishes.
One of my favorite ways to serve this tahini bread is to slice it and spread a bit of butter or more tahini on top. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a morning cup of tea or coffee. You can also add some honey or jam for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a savory option, try using the bread to make a sandwich with your favorite fillings. The nutty flavor of the sesame seeds in the tahini bread pairs well with ingredients like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or hummus.
Tahini bread tahinli ekmek also makes a great addition to any Middle Eastern-inspired meal. Serve it alongside dishes like baba ganoush, tabbouleh, or fattoush salad for an authentic taste of the region.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making sweet rolls tahinli ekmek by adding brown sugar and cinnamon to the dough before rolling it into swirls. Or experiment with using stale bread to make tahi nli susamli ekmek — a traditional Turkish recipe that involves soaking dry bread in a mixture of tahini, water, and spices before baking until crispy.
Whether you’re enjoying your tahini bread with sweet or savory toppings, it’s sure to add a nutty and flavorful twist to any meal. So go ahead and get creative!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Whether you have guests coming over or you’re simply planning on having a delicious breakfast, tahini bread is definitely a must-try. But what if you don’t want to start early in the morning and you still want to serve fresh bread? No worries!
One of the best things about this tahini bread recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. You can easily prepare the dough following the recipe instructions, then cover it and refrigerate it overnight. This is perfect when you want freshly baked bread in the morning without having to wake up at dawn.
To store your freshly-baked tahini bread or rolls, make sure they cool down completely before storing them. You can wrap the bread in a plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed. This will keep your bread deliciously fresh for up to three days at room temperature.
If you prefer to store your bread in the freezer, make sure it’s fully cooled down before wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The frozen tahini bread will last for up to two weeks and can be reheated using an oven, toaster or microwave.
To reheat your frozen tahini bread, preheat your oven at 350°F (180°C) and place the wrapped bread in the oven for around 10 minutes until it’s fully thawed and heated through. Alternatively, you can use a toaster or microwave but keep in mind that using an oven will give you better results.
Tahini sweet rolls also taste amazing when reheated as well! To quickly warm these rolls without sacrificing taste or texture, simply place them in the oven for around 5-7 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
Enjoy your freshly baked tahini bread or rolls any time of day with ease!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve decided to bake this delicious Tahini Bread, here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Firstly, make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the yeast. Old or expired yeast can have significant detrimental effects on the taste and texture of your bread.
Also, be sure to measure your ingredients precisely. Baking is a science, and even a small difference in the amount of flour or sugar can affect the outcome of your bread.
When working with the dough, knead it thoroughly for at least 5 minutes to help activate the gluten and create that desirable chewy texture.
Another essential tip is to let your dough rise in a warm place free from drafts. A perfect place for rising may be a sunny spot in your house or close by a preheated oven.
While forming rolls or bread loaves, don’t forget to add sesame seeds and nigella seeds on top for that authentic Turkish touch. To ensure adequate adherence of seeds sprinkle them lightly with water before adding on top.
Lastly, don’t overbake your Tahini bread as it can cause unnecessary dryness of the bread. Check your bread at regular intervals throughout baking and remove it as soon as it’s golden brown.
By following these tips, you’ll be guaranteed an excellent batch of Tahini bread each time you bake.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, tahini bread or tahinli ekmek recipes are the perfect way to add a unique flavor to your homemade bread. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, the bread comes out soft and delicious with flavors that are sure to wow your taste buds. Whether you like it sweet or savory, there are numerous variations and substitutions to cater to your preferences. And with its familiar aroma, it is quite hard not to love this Turkish delicacy. So why not try out a tahini bread recipe today? Don’t let yourself miss out on this fantastic treat enjoyed by many cultures worldwide.
Tahini Bread Tahinli Ekmek Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 1/8 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup milk, scalded
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups flour
filling
- 1 cup tahini
- 1 cup sugar
topping
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Proof yeast in 1/8 cup warm water (I add 1 Tablespoon honey).
- Add sugar, scalded milk, and butter.
- Add flour; knead 5 minutes.
- Let rise until doubled; punch down; cut into 5 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece until they are a thin round shape.
- While dough is rising, make filling by mixing tahini and sugar together.
- Spread the filling on each round equally.
- Roll up jelly-roll style.
- Let rest, covered with a damp cloth, for 30 minutes.
- Hold them at both ends of the roll and swing them to make them longer and thinner (That's what the recipe says.).
- Wrap them like a cinnamon roll.
- Place parchment paper on an oven tray; arrange dough on it.
- Brush with egg wash; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Let rest 10 more minutes (I am guessing until doubled).
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.