Turkmen Chorek
Chorek is a traditional Turkmen round flatbread, known for its soft, fluffy interior and slightly crisp crust. It's a staple in Turkmen cuisine, often baked in a tandoor and shared during meals and celebrations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Warm milk
- 2 tablespoons Instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1/3 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 beaten Egg (for egg wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
💡 Tip: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. - 2
Make the Dough: Add flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until combined, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
💡 Tip: The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. Add a little more flour if it's too wet, or a touch more milk if too dry. - 3
First Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
💡 Tip: A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot can be good rising places. - 4
Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 4-5 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a round, flat loaf, about 1 inch thick. Let them rest for another 10-15 minutes.
💡 Tip: Traditionally, a decorative stamp or fork is used to create patterns on the surface. - 5
Bake: Preheat oven to 410°F (210°C). Place the shaped breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
💡 Tip: If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for best results. - 6
Serve: Let the chorek cool slightly before serving. It's best enjoyed warm.
💡 Tip: Chorek is perfect for dipping into soups, stews, or enjoying with butter and tea.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use all milk instead of milk and water.
- ✓The decorative patterns on top are not just for aesthetics; they help the bread cook evenly.
- ✓Chorek freezes well and can be reheated in the oven or toaster.
🔄 Variations
- Add sesame seeds or nigella seeds to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Some recipes include a bit of butter kneaded into the dough for a softer texture.