Authentic Turkish Gözleme: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups of plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 300 grams of spinach
  • 200 grams of feta cheese
  • 1 medium-sized onion
  • 1 tablespoon of butter for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Slowly add the warm water and olive oil to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part into a ball. Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, chop the spinach and onion. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the spinach, onion and feta cheese to make the filling.
  7. Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle. Place a quarter of the filling on one half of each circle.
  8. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal, forming a half-moon shape.
  9. Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook each gözleme for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
  10. Once cooked, cut the gözleme into slices and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for combining the flour, salt, water, and oil.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
  • Knife - For chopping the spinach and onion.
  • Frying pan - Used to cook the gözleme on the stovetop.
  • Spatula - Helps to flip the gözleme while cooking.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping ingredients and preparing the gözleme.
  • Cloth - To cover the dough balls while they rest.
  • Damp cloth - Keeps the dough balls from drying out while they rest.

Recipe variations

  • Replace plain flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as minced meat (lamb, beef, or chicken), mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.
  • Add herbs and spices to the filling, such as chopped parsley, dill, or paprika, for extra flavor.
  • For a vegan option, substitute feta cheese with dairy-free alternatives like tofu or vegan cheese.
  • Try using different greens in the filling, like kale or Swiss chard, for a unique twist.
  • Add a touch of lemon zest or lemon juice to the spinach and feta filling to give it a refreshing citrus flavor.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of plain flour.
  • Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top of the gözleme before cooking for added crunch and flavor.

Recipe overview

Gözleme is a traditional savory Turkish flatbread and pastry dish, typically filled with a range of delicious ingredients such as spinach and feta cheese. This recipe is sure to take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of Turkish cuisine. It's a versatile dish that makes for a great breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of your choice. This recipe is straightforward and easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and cooking methods. Your homemade gözleme will be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and deliciously packed with flavorful filling on the inside. Enjoy the process of making this delightful dish and savor every bite!

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for plain flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste of the gözleme may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? Absolutely! While feta cheese is traditionally used in gözleme, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even a cheese blend.
  3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Of course! Gözleme is versatile, and you can add various ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs, or even minced meat to the filling to customize the flavors.
  4. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
  5. Can I freeze gözleme? Absolutely! Once cooked, you can freeze the gözleme in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm it up in a pan or oven.
  6. Can I use a different cooking method? While traditionally gözleme is pan-fried, you can also bake it in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-15 minutes until it turns golden brown.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
  • Mixing Bowl - To combine the flour, salt, water, and olive oil.
  • Knife - For chopping the spinach and onion.
  • Frying Pan - To cook the gözleme on the stovetop.
  • Spatula - To flip the gözleme while cooking.
  • Cloth - To cover the dough balls while they rest.

Origin stories

Gözleme is a traditional savory Turkish flatbread and pastry dish, whose name originates from the Turkish word 'göz', meaning 'compartment', in reference to the pocket of dough in which the various fillings are sealed and cooked. Türkan Şoray, one of the legendary actresses of Turkish cinema, is well-known for her love of making and sharing gözleme. So much so, that she has been affectionately nicknamed 'Gözleme Türkan', and it's said that the gözleme she prepares especially for her film crew during shoots is as much an anticipated treat as her on-screen performances.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.