Gözleme — Turkish Griddled Flatbread

Gözleme is a thin, hand-rolled Turkish flatbread cooked on a dry sac griddle. This classic filling combines spinach, herbs and tangy white cheese.

Makes 6 | Prep 45 minutes plus resting | Cook 20 minutes

DOUGH

• 500 g flour

• 300 ml lukewarm water, approximately

• 1 tsp salt

FILLING

• 400 g spinach, washed and chopped

• 200 g Turkish beyaz peynir or feta, crumbled

• 1 small onion, finely sliced

• ½ bunch parsley, chopped

• Black pepper and pul biber

• Butter or olive oil, for brushing

METHOD

1. Mix flour and salt. Add water gradually and knead 8–10 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest 30 minutes.

2. Rub the spinach and onion with a small pinch of salt, then squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with cheese, parsley and pepper.

3. Divide dough into six balls. Roll each paper-thin on a floured surface.

4. Spread filling over half, fold over and seal the edges.

5. Cook on a hot dry sac or heavy skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until blistered and spotted.

6. Brush lightly with butter or olive oil. Cut and serve immediately with ayran or tea.

COOK’S NOTE

Keep the filling fairly dry so the dough cooks crisp rather than steaming.