Beef and Spinach Gozleme Recipe

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Ingredients:

  • For the dough:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 cup warm water
  • For the filling:
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, let’s prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and set the filling aside.
  4. Once the dough has rested, divide it into four equal pieces. Take one piece and roll it out on a floured surface until it becomes thin, about 1/8 inch thick.
  5. Spoon a portion of the filling onto one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
  6. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
  7. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each gozleme for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
  8. And voila! Your Beef and Spinach Gozleme is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot with some yogurt or a squeeze of lemon on top for an extra zing.

As for the history of gozleme, it is a traditional Turkish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It originated in Anatolia, where it was traditionally made by rural women for their families. Gozleme is known for its versatility, as it can be filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, vegetables, or even sweet fillings. It has become a beloved street food in Turkey and has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious flavors and satisfying texture.

I hope you have a wonderful time making and savoring your Beef and Spinach Gozleme! Let me know if there’s anything else I can assist you with.