Turkish Grandma’s Soft and Fluffy Braided Loaf

(Yumuşak Ekmek – Soft Bread)

Ingredients

Yeast Starter

• 200 ml warm water (104–110°F / 40–43 °C)
• 200 ml warm milk (same temperature)
• 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
• 8 g (about 2 tsp) active dry yeast

Dough

• 30 g melted butter (and slightly cooled)
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) fine salt
• 500 g (about 4 cups) all-purpose or bread flour, sifted
• Additional ~100 g flour (~¾ cup) for kneading/dusting

For Brushing

• 1 large egg yolk
• 30–40 ml milk

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