A Recipe for Biberli Ekmek

#BakeForTurkeyandSyria

As you might have heard, there was yet another 6.3 earthquake that struck the Southeast region of Turkey on February 20, totaling three massive quakes in the past few weeks. Unfortunately, the hits keep coming.

As I process my response, I am trying to think of a creative way to keep people updated and engaged. I know the media is covering the disaster less and less so for the next couple of weeks, I will be creating dishes from the region as a part of the #BakeForTurkeyandSyria efforts. I would love to have you join me! We can share about the food culture and encourage people to stay involved through donations and support!

For the first recipe, I made Biberli Ekmek (pepper bread). One of the cities destroyed by the earthquakes is Antakya (Antioch), Turkey, an ancient city known for many historical events and rich culinary culture. Antakya is a city located in the modern-day province of Hatay, Turkey. If you do make this recipe, tag me and use the hashtag #BakeForTurkeyandSyria. Check out the video above to see the preparation process.

A Recipe for Biberli Ekmek:
Pepper Bread from Hatay, Turkey

Dough:

• 2 cups of warm water

• 1 packet of yeast

• 1 teaspoon of sugar

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil

• 6 cups of all-purpose flour

Topping:

• 2 medium yellow onions

• 3 tablespoons of tomato/pepper paste blend

• 2 tablespoons of dried mint

• 3 tablespoons of za'atar seasoning

• 1 teaspoon of paprika

• Juice of half a lemon

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil

• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 3 teaspoons of black cumin seeds (called Çörek Otu at a Turkish market)

To sprinkle on top:

• Black cumin seeds

• Za'atar seasoning

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir and dissolve for three minutes.

2. In a large bowl, mix salt and flour. Add the yeast water to the flour and then the olive oil. The dough should be kneaded for five minutes.

3. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and leave it to rise for 40 minutes in a warm place.

4. In the meantime, prepare the topping. Add onion, pepper paste, mint, za'atar, paprika, lemon, and olive oil to a food processor. Once well blended, remove from the food processor and place in a bowl. Add in the feta cheese and black cumin seeds.

5. After the dough has properly rested, lightly flour your countertop. Divide your dough into 12 equal parts and roll it into balls.

6. Take one ball of dough and spread it thinly with the help of a rolling pin.

7. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling evenly on the rolled-out dough. Then sprinkle black cumin seeds and za'atar on top.

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F on the second shelf from the bottom for 10-12 minutes.

Fundraiser Update:

Salih and I also want to thank those who donated to the Turkey Earthquake Relief Fund!  We are so grateful that we could quickly respond and distribute funds to those in need in Turkey. In total, we raised $4,123! 

Salih will fly to Turkey this week to help with the relief efforts.  He will bring water filters, feminine hygiene supplies, food, and more. 

If you would like to continue to donate or share with friends or family, here is a list of organizations we trust:

• Ahbap

• Choose Love

• World Central Kitchen

• International Rescue Committee