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an up-close shot of the pullman loaf of the turmeric bread showing its crumb and lacy structure

Turmeric bread

Meenakshi
These golden-hued slices of homemade turmeric bread will brighten your breakfast table with their earthy aroma and promises of both flavor and wellness. This pullman loaf recipe is a great way to incorporate more healing ingredients into your daily meals or to simply impress guests with a vibrantly colored artisanal bread that's surprisingly easy to make.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Bread
Cuisine global
Servings 12 slices
Calories 188 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 375 g Bread flour (≈ 3 cups)
  • 240 g Whole milk (≈ 1 cup)
  • 15 g Oil
  • 8 g Sugar
  • 8 g Salt
  • 5 g Turmeric (1 ½ tsp)
  • 2 teaspoon Instant yeast

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combining All Ingredients for the Dough

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help yeast activate properly.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together:Bread flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
  • Warm the milk gently (not hot).
  • Mix 2–3 tablespoon of warm milk with turmeric powder for enhanced curcumin extraction (turmeric’s active compound).
  • Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour in: Warm milk, oil and turmeric milk solution.
  • Mix using a dough whisk, wooden spoon, or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Kneading Turmeric Bread Dough

  • Hand Kneading:Transfer dough to lightly floured surface.Knead using the push-fold-turn method for 12–15 minutes.Dough should become smooth, elastic, and pass the windowpane test.
  • Stand Mixer: Use dough hook attachment. Mix on low speed for 2 mins, then medium (speed 4–5) for 8–10 mins. Dough should pull away from the bowl and feel tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

  • Shape kneaded dough into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl.
  • Flip dough to coat fully and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
  • Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60–90 minutes or until doubled. Ideal temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C).

Step 4: Shaping

  • Punch down dough gently to release gas.
  • Transfer to floured surface and divide into 3 equal parts (~214g each).
  • Flatten each portion into a rectangle.
  • Roll tightly from the short side like a jelly roll, pinching seams to seal.
  • Place seam-side down in greased 8×4.5-inch Pullman loaf pan side-by-side.

Step 5: Proofing

  • Cover pan with a towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let proof for 45–60 minutes until nearly reaching the top of the pan.
  • Dough should appear puffy and airy.
  • Preheat oven to 380°F (193°C) midway through proofing.
  • Ideal proofing temperature: 80–85°F (27–29°C).
  • Tip: Use a microwave with a hot cup of water as a proofing box.

Step 6: Baking

  • Optional: Brush top with milk or egg wash for a shiny finish.
  • Bake at 380°F (193°C) for 22–25 minutes.
  • Look for golden-amber crust and a hollow sound when tapped.
  • Internal temperature should be 190–200°F (88–93°C).
  • Let rest in pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  • Cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Notes

  • Perfect Turmeric Choice: Use high-quality ground turmeric. Add a pinch of black pepper to boost curcumin absorption by up to 2000%.
  • Start Small: Too much turmeric can turn bitter. Stick to the recommended amount if you're new to it.
  •  Hydration Check: The dough should be tacky, not sticky. Adjust with 1 tablespoon flour if too wet or a splash of milk if too dry.
  •  Ideal Proofing Temp:
    Cold kitchen? Proof in an oven with just the light on, or a microwave with hot water (microwave off).
  • Avoid Dense Bread: Knead thoroughly and don’t rush rising time—both are key to light, fluffy bread.
  • Prevent Dry Crust: Place a small dish of water in the oven to create steam and promote a soft, golden crust.
  • Fix Overbaked Crust: Brush a hot, overbaked loaf with melted butter or olive oil to soften and rehydrate the crust.
  • Make-Ahead Dough: Refrigerate the dough after kneading for overnight fermentation. Bring to room temp before shaping.

📋 Nutrition Facts

a table of nutrition facts on the turmeric bread

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal
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