Turkish – Gözleme

Gözleme is a traditional Turkish pastry made of thin, unleavened dough that is rolled out, filled with various savory or sweet ingredients, and then cooked on a griddle or flat pan. It is often considered a type of flatbread or stuffed pancake and is a popular street food or breakfast dish in Turkey.

Key Features of Gözleme:

Dough: The dough is made from basic ingredients like flour, water, salt, and sometimes a little olive oil. It’s rolled out thinly to create a soft and pliable base.
Fillings: The fillings can vary widely, both savory and sweet. Some of the most popular fillings include:
- Spinach and feta cheese
- Ground beef or lamb with onions and spices
- Potatoes and cheese
- Mushrooms
- Turkish sausage (Sucuk) and cheese
- Sweet fillings like Nutella or sugar and cinnamon (less common but delicious!)
Cooking: After being filled, the dough is folded into a half-moon or rectangle shape and cooked on a hot, lightly oiled griddle until crispy and golden brown on both sides.

Regional Variations:

Gözleme can be found all over Turkey, with some regions offering unique fillings or preparation methods.
In rural areas, it’s commonly made fresh at home or sold by street vendors.

Cultural Significance:

Gözleme is often prepared by women in rural communities and can be found at many traditional Turkish gatherings, picnics, and celebrations. It’s typically eaten as a snack, breakfast, or light meal. It is also a staple at Turkish markets and food stalls, where vendors cook it fresh on-site.

Taste Profile:

The dough of gözleme is soft, slightly chewy, and becomes crispy on the outside when cooked, while the filling provides rich, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors.