Turkish Soft Bagel (Acma)

Yield: 12 bagels

Baking Temp: 190°C (375°F)

Baking Time: 25–30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Lukewarm water: 2 cups

• Instant yeast: 1 packet

• Sugar: 1 tablespoon

• Egg whites: 2 (reserve the egg yolks for brushing on top)

• Vegetable/liquid oil: ½ tea cup (approx. ¼ cup)

• Salt: 1.5 tablespoons

• All-purpose flour: 5 cups

For Layering & Assembling:

• Butter (melted): 50 grams

• Vegetable/liquid oil: 1 cup

• Cheese (feta, mozzarella, or your choice): As needed for filling

For the Topping:

• Egg yolks: 2 (reserved from dough preparation)

Instructions

1. Prepare & Knead the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, instant yeast, sugar, egg whites, liquid oil, and salt.

2. Gradually add the flour, stirring as you go.

3. Knead until a smooth, soft, and elastic dough forms.

4. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 45–60 minutes).

2. Divide & Rest the Dough Sheets

1. Once risen, divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll them into smooth balls/sheets.

2. In a small bowl, combine the 50g of melted butter and 1 cup of liquid oil.

3. Pour 3–4 tablespoons of this butter-oil mixture onto a large tray and spread it evenly.

4. Arrange the dough portions on the oiled tray.

5. Pour the remaining butter-oil mixture over the tops of the dough portions.

6. Cover the tray with a lid or plastic wrap (so they stay room temperature and don't dry out) and let them rest for 15–20 minutes.

3. Shape & Fill

1. Take one rested portion of dough onto a clean surface. Using your hands, gently stretch and flatten it into a thin sheet.

2. Spread a portion of cheese evenly over the stretched dough.

3. Roll the dough tightly into a log/cylinder.

4. Twist the log gently, then wrap/curl it into a circle and join the ends together securely to form a bagel shape.

5. Place the shaped bagel onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Repeat for the remaining dough portions.

4. Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Brush the top of each bagel generously with the reserved egg yolks.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Serve warm and enjoy!