Living in Turkey, you never really think about making Açma because you can just go to the Firin or Bakery and buy them hot and fresh whenever you have a taste for them. Well, it has been about 15 years since I was in Turkey and lately, I have found myself craving these delightful pastries. Today, I decided to whip some up and boy am I glad I did. I was immediately transported back to Istanbul. They were absolutely fabulous with Çay (hot tea), white cheese, tomatoes and black olives. The thing that really made it great was sharing these yummy pastries with my nephew, Billy, my best friend, Angie and my gorgeous daughter, Stella. Hope you will try my recipe. Below you will also find a video showing how to get terrific results on shaping your Açma. As always Afiyet Olsun!
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 Cup Water
- 2 Tablespoons Active Dry Yeast
- 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 Egg
- ¼ Cup Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 6-7 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), softened
- 1 Egg Yolk
- 2 Tablespoons Water
- 2-3 Tablespoons Sesame or Nigella Seeds
- Heat Milk and Water until you can no longer keep your pinkie finger immersed.
- Remove from heat and stir in yeast.
- In a mixing bowl or a stand mixer, combine the vegetable oil, egg, sugar and salt until well combined.
- Add in the milk, water and yeast mixture and combine well.
- Add in the flour, 1 cup at a time until you get a nice soft dough.
- Knead the dough 5 to 7 minutes.
- Place the dough in the bowl that has been coated with a little vegetable oil.
- Cover loosely with a lid or a clean towel.
- Place in a warm, draught free area to rise about 1 hour.
- Pinch off egg sized pieces of dough and roll into round balls.
- Flatten each ball into a circle and spread with a small amount of the softened butter.
- Roll the circles into a long rope shape.
- Using your hands by pushing one hand forward and one hand backward roll into a twisty shape.
- Join the ends and secure well.
- Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Mix the egg yolk and water and brush each Açma with a little egg wash.
- Sprinkle on the seeds and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 - 28 minutes.
- Afiyet olsun!
