Soft and Chewy Balkan Bread Recipe

Mix milk and water in a pot over low heat. Heat stirring constantly until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the pot reads 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Remove from heat. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Pour mixture into a cup or other cylindrical glass; sprinkle yeast on top. Let mixture rest until yeast is frothy and fragrant about 10 minutes.

Stir flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.

Turn dough out on a floured work surface and knead quickly for 5 minutes. Shape dough into a ball. Grease a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add dough; toss around the bowl a few times to coat evenly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size about 1 hour.

Return dough back to the work surface and punch down. Coat your hands with a little olive oil and knead again for 1 minute. Divide into 5 balls. Flatten the balls out into thick rectangles. Place the rectangles of dough onto a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with a thin coat of olive oil. Let rest for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) while the dough rests.

Bake bread in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Switch to the broil setting until the top of the rolls turn golden brown about 1 minute. Remove from the baking sheet and allow to cool completely. Cut rolls in half lengthwise.