Gözleme: A Delicious Taste of Turkish Tradition
Learn how to make authentic Turkish Gözleme, a delicious stuffed flatbread that is crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful ingredients like spinach, cheese, or minced meat. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the taste of Turkey to your kitchen.
Equipment
- 1 Rolling Pin For rolling out the dough thinly
- 1 Non-stick skillet or griddle For cooking Gözleme
- 1 Mixing Bowl To prepare the dough
- 1 Wooden Spoon For mixing ingredients
- 1 Kitchen towel To cover the dough while resting
Ingredients
For the Dough
- Amount Unit Name Notes
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Water Adjust as needed
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Yogurt Optional for softness
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For elasticity
For the Traditional Spinach & Cheese Filling
- Amount Unit Name Notes
- 2 cups Fresh spinach Finely chopped
- 1 cup Feta cheese Crumbled
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes Optional
For the Meat Filling (Optional)
- Amount Unit Name Notes
- ½ lb Ground lamb or beef Cooked and seasoned
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Ground cumin
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl combine the flour and salt.
- Add the water yogurt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
- If making a spinach and cheese filling sauté spinach in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Mix spinach with crumbled feta cheese black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- If using meat cook the ground lamb or beef with spices until fully browned.
Step 3: Rolling and Stuffing the Dough
- Divide the rested dough into equal portions.
- Roll out each portion into a thin circle about 10 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of the dough leaving space at the edges.
- Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
Step 4: Cooking the Gözleme
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Place the Gözleme onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Flip gently with a spatula and cook until crispy.
- Step 5: Serving
- Brush with melted butter for extra flavor optional.
- Slice and serve warm with yogurt fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Nutrient Amount
- Calories 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates 48g
- Protein 10g
- Fat 9g
- Fiber 3g
- Sodium 430mg
- Values are approximate and depend on filling choices.
Recipe Notes
- Dough Tip: The longer the dough rests the easier it is to roll out thinly.
- Crispier Texture: Cook on a dry griddle first then brush lightly with butter after cooking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container and reheat on a pan to maintain crispiness.
- Variations: Try modern fillings like mozzarella and pesto or Nutella for a dessert Gözleme.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with Turkish tea çay for an authentic experience.
- Pair with Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a refreshing dip.
- Enjoy alongside a Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.
FAQs
- Can I make Gözleme without a rolling pin?
- Yes! You can stretch the dough by hand though a rolling pin makes it easier to get a thin, even layer.
- How do I make gluten-free Gözleme?
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may differ slightly.
- Can I bake Gözleme instead of pan-frying?
- Yes but it won’t be as crispy. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- How long does Gözleme stay fresh?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh but you can refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat in a pan for the best texture.
Can I freeze Gözleme?
- Yes! Freeze uncooked Gözleme with parchment paper between layers. Cook directly from frozen adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.