An authentic Gözleme is a traditional Turkish stuffed flatbread that is filled with flavorful ingredients and cooked to crispy perfection. This delightful dish brings together the warmth of home cooking and the rich culinary heritage of Turkey. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory spinach and feta filling or a spiced meat blend, this recipe provides you with options that can please every palate. Simple and satisfying, gözleme makes for an excellent appetizer, snack, or even a light meal that you can serve at gatherings or enjoy as a quick treat at home.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Turkish Stuffed Flatbread (Gözleme):
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the essential structure for the gözleme, giving it its characteristic soft yet chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup warm water: Helps activate the yeast and hydrate the flour, creating a pliable dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast: This leavening agent makes the dough slightly airy and helps it rise.
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional): Adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to its flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This ingredient helps keep the dough moist and enriches its flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
- Extra flour for dusting: Needed for rolling out the dough without sticking.
For the Spinach Feta Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onion, adding depth of flavor to the filling.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves: This green adds nutrition and balances the richness of the feta.
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped: Provides a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and freshness to the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: To season the filling appropriately.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Introduces a mild heat and enhances the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: The star ingredient that adds creaminess and tanginess to the mixture.
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef: This protein forms the heart of the meat filling, providing richness and flavor.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Infuses the meat filling with aromatic sweetness.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Helps blend the meat mixture to the right consistency.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Contributes a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the meat.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the meat evenly.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika: Introduces a sweet depth and slight smokiness to the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne: Adds warmth and a bit of heat to round out the flavors.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creating the dough for your gözleme. In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and create a well in the center. Add the warm water, dry yeast, yogurt (if using), olive oil, and kosher salt. Mix the ingredients together by hand or with a dough hook until they’re combined well. Knead the dough for about 3 minutes, adjusting with extra flour or water as necessary to achieve a smooth consistency. After kneading, divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape them into balls. Place the balls on a floured surface, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Spinach Feta Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the spinach feta filling. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add the baby spinach, dill, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes, cooking until the spinach wilts. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. On a floured surface, take each dough ball and roll it into a large circle, making sure it’s thin enough to fold over your filling. Dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking, ensuring you have enough space to handle the dough without tearing it.
Step 4: Fill the Gözleme
Divide the spinach feta filling into 6 portions and place each portion in the center of each rolled-out dough. Fold the top half of the circle down over the filling, then fold the bottom half up, encasing the filling. Gently tuck the ends under to seal the edges securely.
Step 5: Cook the Gözleme
In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Cook each gözleme for a few minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining gözleme, adding more oil as necessary to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Prepare the Meat Filling
If you’re opting for the meat filling, start by mixing the ground lamb or beef, diced onion, warm water, cumin, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne in a bowl. Spread this meat mixture over one half of each dough circle, then fold the empty side over the filling, carefully sealing the edges as you go.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your gözleme warm, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the filling. Enjoy this delicious homemade flatbread as a snack or side dish!
Cooking Tips
- Dough Consistency: When mixing the dough, it should be soft but not sticky. Adjust with more flour or water as necessary.
- Resting the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps develop the flavors.
- Filling Variety: Feel free to mix and match fillings based on your preference; options like mushrooms, zucchini, or other cheeses can be delicious additions.
- Cooking Surface: A cast-iron skillet or non-stick frying pan works best for even cooking and achieving a crispy exterior.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on a skillet for a crispy texture.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use a combination of grated potatoes, mushrooms, or other vegetables instead of meat for a hearty vegetarian filling.
- Cheesy Gözleme: Add mozzarella or a blend of cheeses to the spinach feta mixture for an extra cheesy gözleme.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or mint in the spinach filling for varied flavor profiles.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour; however, you may need to adjust the water amount as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
What if I don’t have dry yeast?
If you don’t have dry yeast, you can skip the yeast altogether for a denser dough, although the gözleme may not be as airy.
Is it possible to freeze gözleme?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked or cooked gözleme. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be reheated from frozen.
Can I add spices to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to add spices like cumin or seeds such as sesame to the dough for extra flavor.
How long do these gözleme keep?
Freshly made gözleme can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.
Conclusion
This Turkish Stuffed Flatbread (Gözleme) recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your taste. With the option of spinach and feta or a flavorful meat filling, these gözleme are not only satisfying but also a fun way to explore the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine. Whether you’re making them for a lit gathering or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing these delightful flatbreads with your loved ones!