Homemade Turkish Traditional Pastry Açma Recipe
Recipe Overview
Overview
Açma is a delightful Turkish pastry that brings a touch of warmth and comfort to any table. The dough, made with a combination of flour, yeast, and a hint of sugar, is incredibly versatile. You can fill it with savory olives or indulge in the sweet version with chocolate spread, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
The process begins with activating the yeast in warm water and sugar, which helps the dough rise beautifully. Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic is crucial, as it develops the gluten structure needed for that perfect fluffy texture. After allowing it to rest, the dough doubles in size, ready to be shaped and filled.
Shaping the Açma is where the fun begins. Each piece is rolled and twisted, creating a unique look that is both appealing and delicious. The addition of nigella seeds or almonds on top adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. Baking them until golden brown results in a soft, cloud-like pastry that is hard to resist.
Whether served plain, with olives, or filled with chocolate, Açma is sure to impress. It’s a wonderful way to share a piece of Turkish culture with friends and family, and once you try making it, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Mix 1 tbsp yeast and 3 tbsp sugar into 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Tip: Let the yeast mixture sit for 1-2 minutes to activate.
In a bowl, add 500g flour and 1 tsp salt, then mix.
Tip: Use red flour for better results, but all-purpose flour works too.
Make a hole in the flour and add the yeast mixture, 5 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp butter.
Mix the ingredients with a spatula and then with your hands until the flour is wet.
Knead the dough on a counter for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Tip: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Tip: Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
Place the dough in a bowl and cover with a damp cloth for 1 hour.
Roll the rested dough and divide it into eight pieces.
Expand the first piece of dough and roll it onto itself, twisting both ends.
Tip: Twist both ends of the dough to achieve the original shape of achma.
Put the shaped dough on a tray and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
For the olive version, add heaped teaspoon olive paste and black olives.
Tip: Make a second seal when filling with liquid ingredients to prevent spills.
For the chocolate version, use 2 teaspoons of chocolate spread and seal the dough.
Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth for another 20 minutes.
Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tsp water for brushing.
Tip: Brushing with egg yolk gives a shiny brown color.
Sprinkle nigella seeds on the plain and olive ones, and almonds on the chocolate ones.
Tip: Use any toppings you like, such as nigella seeds or almonds.
Bake in the oven at 200°C for 20-22 minutes.
Tip: Bake at 200°C for 20-22 minutes, depending on your oven.
Tip: The outside should be brown, but the inside should remain soft.
Remove the first batch from the oven after 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Oil
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Açma is a traditional Turkish pastry that can be filled with various ingredients like olives or chocolate.
- •The dough is allowed to rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- •Using olive oil and butter in the dough contributes to its rich flavor and soft texture.
- •Açma is often enjoyed with tea or coffee in Turkey.
