Turkish Fried Bread (Pişi)

Time
Total Time 135 min
Health Score
Health Score 6.5/10
Difficulty
Difficulty Medium
Servings
Servings 6

Pişi is a beloved Turkish fried bread that's perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. These puffy, golden pillows of dough are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them irresistible to children and adults alike. The key to perfect pişi is allowing enough time for the dough to rise properly - this creates the characteristic light and airy texture. While the preparation takes time due to the rising process, you can alternatively use ready-made bread dough from bakeries to save time. The small hole made in the center ensures even cooking and prevents any doughy centers, making them perfect for little hands to enjoy safely.

Nutrition Information

Iron Source
265kcal
Calories
6g
Protein
42g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
2g
Fiber
2.5mg
Iron
25mg
Calcium
390mg
Sodium
95mg
Potassium

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour (500g)
  • 1 tablespoon dry yeast (or 1/2 pack fresh yeast)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup lukewarm water (adjust as needed)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast:
  2. Mix dry yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water in a mixing bowl
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 5 minutes until yeast activates
  4. If using fresh yeast, dissolve it in water first
  5. Make the dough:
  6. Add salt and gradually incorporate flour
  7. Knead until you have a soft, smooth dough
  8. First rise:
  9. Cover dough with plastic wrap
  10. Let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour)
  11. Shape and fry:
  12. Take pieces of dough and flatten with oiled hands
  13. Make a hole in the center of each piece with your finger
  14. Heat oil in a pan for frying
  15. Fry each piece until golden brown on both sides
  16. Remove and drain on paper towels
  17. Note: You can use ready-made bread dough from bakeries to skip the rising process
  18. Serve immediately while hot

Serving Tips

  • Serve hot, fresh from the pan
  • Perfect with honey, jam, or cheese
  • Can be enjoyed with soups
  • Excellent for breakfast or afternoon tea
  • Best consumed within a few hours of cooking
  • Can be reheated briefly in the oven
  • For children, let cool slightly before serving
  • Can be served plain or with sweet/savory toppings