Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

Gözleme, or Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread), is a delightful treat that everyone will love. These crispy flatbreads are perfect for any occasion, from picnics to brunches and packed lunches. With a simple dough and savory spinach and feta filling, this dish stands out for its rich flavor and versatility. Making gözleme at home is easier than you might think!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: This recipe requires only 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy days.
• Delicious fillings: The combination of spinach and feta creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy these flatbreads on their own or pair them with salads for a complete meal.
• Perfect for sharing: Gözleme is great for gatherings, allowing you to serve up multiple portions easily.
• Customizable ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like meats or other vegetables.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully make Turkish Gözleme, having the right tools is essential. Below is a list of equipment that will help you prepare this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Bench scraper or chef’s knife
• Clean damp towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ensures that your gözleme cooks evenly without sticking, providing that perfect crispy texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the thin dough required for optimal cooking results in a short time.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients seamlessly while keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/3 cups (473 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing)

For the Filling:

• 4 packed cups roughly chopped baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or pul biber, or more to your liking)
• 1 cup drained and crumbled feta

How to Make Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

Step 1: Combine the Dough Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour using a fine mesh sieve. Create a well in the center and add the salt, lukewarm water, and olive oil. Incorporate the flour gradually with clean hands until a rough dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured countertop. Knead it by hand for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and semi-firm. Coat it with olive oil in a bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another bowl, combine the chopped spinach and onions. Drizzle in some olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, then stir in Aleppo pepper.

Step 4: Massage the Filling

Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly. This step softens the onions and infuses flavors into the spinach. Add crumbled feta cheese last and mix again. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

After resting, place the dough on a floured surface. Divide it into six equal pieces using a bench scraper or chef’s knife. Roll each piece into a ball and keep covered with a damp towel.

Step 6: Roll the Dough

Take one dough ball at a time and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s very thin—about 10 ½ inches in diameter.

Step 7: Fill the Gözleme

Spread about half a cup of filling over one half of each rolled circle, leaving about an inch around the edges clear.

Step 8: Seal the Gözleme

Fold the empty side over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pat down gently to remove air pockets and press down around edges to seal well; use water on fingers if needed.

Step 9: Repeat

Place finished gözleme on a tray without touching each other. Keep them covered with a clean towel as you work on others.

Step 10: Cook the Gözleme

Heat your non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place one gözleme in the dry pan; cook for about one minute on each side until light brown patches appear.

Step 11: Keep Covered as You Finish

Once cooked, place gözleme on another tray and brush both sides with olive oil while covering them with a clean towel to keep warm.

Step 12: Serve

Enjoy your Turkish Gözleme warm or at room temperature, either alone or alongside a refreshing salad. Afiyet Olsun!

How to Serve Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

Turkish gözleme is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re enjoying it at a picnic or as part of a cozy meal at home, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience.

With a Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing complements the rich flavors of gözleme perfectly.

As an Appetizer

• Cut the gözleme into small wedges and serve them as an appetizer with yogurt or tzatziki for dipping.

Accompanied by Yogurt

• A side of creamy plain yogurt adds a cooling contrast to the savory filling of spinach and feta.

With Pickles

• Serve with a variety of pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft flatbread.

Paired with Tea

• Enjoy gözleme with a hot cup of traditional Turkish tea for an authentic experience that balances flavor and warmth.

How to Perfect Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

Making perfect gözleme requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your flatbreads turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality feta will enhance the overall flavor of your gözleme.
• Roll thinly: Ensure the dough is rolled out very thinly to achieve that crispy texture after cooking.
• Seal properly: Make sure the edges are well-sealed before cooking to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Cook on medium heat: Cooking at medium heat allows the gözleme to brown evenly without burning.
• Brush with oil: Brushing both sides with olive oil before serving adds extra flavor and moisture.
• Serve immediately: Gözleme is best enjoyed hot off the skillet for maximum crispiness and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

Pairing side dishes with Turkish gözleme can enhance its delightful flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of diced cucumbers, parsley, and olive oil makes for a crisp side.
2. Tomato Salad: Juicy tomatoes dressed in olive oil and herbs create a vibrant accompaniment.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add depth to your meal.
4. Hummus: Creamy hummus provides a rich dip that pairs wonderfully with gözleme.
5. Olives: A selection of olives brings briny notes that complement the fillings perfectly.
6. Fried Eggplant: Crispy fried eggplant slices add texture and earthiness to your meal.
7. Lentil Soup: A warm bowl of lentil soup serves as a hearty starter before enjoying your gözleme.
8. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad tossed with lemon juice offers flavor and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread) can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect dough consistency: If the dough is too sticky or dry, your gözleme won’t turn out well. Make sure to knead until smooth and adjust flour or water as needed.
• Overfilling: Adding too much filling can cause the gözleme to burst during cooking. Stick to about 1/2 cup of filling per piece for a perfect fold.
• Inadequate resting time: Skipping the resting period for the dough can make it difficult to roll out. Allow at least 20 minutes for the gluten to relax.
• Not rolling thin enough: If the dough is too thick, it won’t cook evenly. Aim for a diameter of about 10 1/2 inches, rolling as thin as possible.
• Cooking at the wrong temperature: Cooking on too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Medium-high heat is ideal for even cooking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keep any leftover gözleme in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Consume within 3 days: For best taste, eat refrigerated gözleme within three days.

Freezing Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

• Use parchment paper: Separate each gözleme with parchment paper before stacking them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months: They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months without losing flavor.

Reheating Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the gözleme on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a single gözleme on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turkish Gözleme?

Turkish Gözleme is a traditional flatbread filled with various ingredients like spinach and feta cheese. It’s popular street food in Turkey.

How do I customize my Turkish Gözleme filling?

You can easily customize your gözleme by adding other fillings such as mushrooms, ground meat, or different cheeses. The options are endless!

Can I make Turkish Gözleme ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

How should I serve Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)?

Serve them warm or at room temperature, either plain or alongside salads for a delightful meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread) is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for brunches, picnics, or quick lunches, this dish invites creativity in terms of fillings. Try it today and enjoy customizing your own delicious creations!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread)

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible delight of Turkish Gözleme (Spinach and Feta Stuffed Flatbread), a traditional dish that combines crispy flatbread with a savory filling of fresh spinach and creamy feta cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual brunch, a picnic treat, or a satisfying lunch. With just 15 minutes of preparation and simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that impresses both family and friends. Plus, gözleme is highly customizable; feel free to experiment with various fillings to suit your taste!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 1/3 cups (473 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing)
• 4 packed cups roughly chopped baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or pul biber, or more to your liking)
• 1 cup drained and crumbled feta

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, water, and olive oil to form the dough. Knead until smooth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling by mixing chopped spinach, onions, olive oil, and spices. Gently incorporate crumbled feta.
3. Divide the rested dough into equal pieces and roll each into thin circles.
4. Place filling on half of each circle, fold over to seal, and cook in a non-stick pan until golden brown on both sides.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 gözleme (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 15mg