| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| 4 cups all-purpose flour | 1/2 teaspoon salt |
| 1 cup warm water | 1/4 cup olive oil |
| 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted | 2 cups spinach, finely chopped |
| 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled | 1 cup chopped dill |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 687 | 31g | 16g | 77g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 3g | 22g | 1.1g |
The exact values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and their respective nutritional profiles.
About Gözleme
The Gözleme: A Culinary Tapestry From Turkey
Often, the food that we consume is not merely sustenance but also a window into the culture and history of a region, and this is especially true when it comes to bread. One such special bread that weaves a story of its own is the Gözleme, a traditional Turkish flatbread that is as rich in flavours as it is in its cultural fabric.
Gözleme does not just offer an exceptional taste, but also a complete sensory experience. Its slightly crisp exterior coated with a drizzle of melted butter, houses a soft interior teeming with the goodness of spinach, the saltiness of feta cheese, the earthy aroma of dill and the warmth of olive oil. The crumbled cheese and finely chopped spinach create an interesting texture in each bite, while dill adds a unique flavor that sends your taste buds on a delightful journey.
How Gözleme Complements Other Dishes
What makes Gözleme a crowd favorite is how versatile it is. It can be a standalone dish or paired perfectly with a variety of hot and cold beverages like Turkish black tea or Ayran, a traditional cold yogurt beverage. It can also be served with a range of dips, including Tzatziki and hummus, complementing their tastes wonderfully.
Furthermore, it bears a beautiful similarity to Greek spanakopita and Indian paratha, yet stands distinct with its own unique flavour palette. If you are an aficionados of these two dishes, then you would absolutely enjoy the taste of Gözleme too.
The Beauty of Gözleme and Its Universal Appeal
The universal appeal of Gözleme lies in its simplicity and its artisanal touch. It reminds us that often the most humble ingredients, when combined with love and care, can produce the most delightful dishes. A kitchen can transform from just a place of cooking into a journey into the cultural richness and nuances of Turkish cuisine when Gözleme is made.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup chopped dill
Method
Step One
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
Step Two
Pour 1 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil into the well. Mix together until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a flour-dusted surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process should take approximately 10 minutes.
Step Three
Once kneaded, divide the dough into four equal portions and let them rest, covered by a kitchen towel, for about 30 minutes.
Step Four
While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of finely chopped spinach, 2 cups of crumbled feta cheese, and 1 cup of chopped dill. Set this mixture aside.
Step Five
Roll out one piece of dough into a thin, round shape. Brush it with some melted unsalted butter, then spread a quarter of the spinach and feta mixture over half of the dough circle. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, pressing the edges to seal.
Step Six
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook each gözleme for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Brush the cooked gözleme with more melted butter before serving.
Step Seven
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling. Once all the gözleme are cooked and buttered, they are ready to be served. Enjoy your homemade Turkish Gözleme!
