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Crispy Bagel Dough (Poğaça) Recipe: A Delightful Turkish Pastry
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Turkish cuisine, you know that its diverse array of pastries is nothing short of heavenly. One such pastry that stands out for its texture, flavor, and irresistible aroma is Poğaça. This popular Turkish snack is a versatile pastry, typically made with soft, pillowy dough and filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, olives, or ground meat. But what makes Poğaça even more delightful is when it’s baked to perfection using a crispy bagel dough technique that adds extra crunch and depth to the flavor.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Crispy Bagel Dough Poğaça. From the dough to the filling and baking tips, you’ll learn how to create this mouthwatering Turkish treat right in your own kitchen!
What is Poğaça?
Poğaça is a traditional Turkish pastry that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner. It’s incredibly popular in Turkey, often served with tea or as part of a larger spread during gatherings. The dough for Poğaça is usually soft, buttery, and slightly flaky, while the fillings can range from savory options like feta cheese, herbs, and spinach to more hearty ones like ground beef or even potatoes.
Crispy bagel dough adds a special twist to the usual recipe, giving the outside of the pastry a wonderful golden crunch, much like that of a classic bagel. The result is a crispy, tender, and flavorful pastry that is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour – 4 cups (500g)
- Instant yeast – 1 packet (7g)
- Granulated sugar – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Milk – 1 cup (240ml), lukewarm
- Warm water – ¼ cup (60ml)
- Butter – ½ cup (115g), melted
- Egg yolk – 1 (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds – for garnish (optional)
For the Filling:
- Feta cheese – 1 cup (crumbled)
- Parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional)
- Black olives – ¼ cup, pitted and chopped (optional)
- Ground beef or lamb – ½ pound (optional, if making a meat filling)
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing, if using meat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, milk, and sugar. Add the instant yeast to the mixture and stir. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture along with the melted butter. Mix everything together until a dough begins to form.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it—too much flour can make the dough tough.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for the dough to become light and fluffy.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. If you’re using cheese and parsley, simply mix the crumbled feta cheese with chopped parsley and set it aside.
For those opting for a meat filling, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and sauté the ground beef or lamb until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly before using.
4. Shape the Poğaça:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. On a floured surface, roll each ball out into a small circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the filling (whether cheese or meat) in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal it. You can shape the dough into a half-moon or round shape, depending on your preference.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place the filled Poğaças on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg yolk to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. For an extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds over the egg wash.
Let the Poğaças rest for about 15 minutes to allow them to puff up slightly before baking.
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