The History and Secret Flavors of Pastry
Pastry have been among the most beloved pastries of Anatolian cuisine for centuries. From the Ottoman palace kitchens to modern-day households, these delicacies have remained a staple of breakfast tables and tea-time gatherings. Every detail, from the dough to the filling, carries a touch of artistry.
In this article, we will share the 10 most delicious poğaça and börek recipes that you can easily prepare at home. Here are both traditional and creative variations to satisfy your taste buds!
1. Soft Bakery-Style Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet dry yeast (or half a packet of fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs (one yolk for brushing)
- 5 cups flour
- White cheese or cheddar cheese (for filling)
Preparation:
- Combine warm milk and water in a bowl, add yeast and sugar, and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable oil, eggs, and salt.
- Gradually add flour and knead until a soft dough forms. Let it rise for 40 minutes.
- Take mandarin-sized pieces of dough, fill with cheese, and seal.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Brush with egg yolk and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
2. Cheese Rose Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 small cup milk
- 1 egg
- 200g white cheese
- ½ bunch parsley
- Egg yolk and sesame seeds for topping
Preparation:
- Mix oil, milk, and egg in a bowl.
- Cut each phyllo sheet into four equal triangles.
- Spread the prepared mixture over each piece.
- Add the cheese-parsley filling and roll each triangle into a log.
- Twist the log into a rose shape and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with egg yolk, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
3. Crispy Potato Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yogurt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg (yolk for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet baking powder
- 4 cups flour
- 2 boiled potatoes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation:
- Mix yogurt, oil, egg, and salt in a bowl.
- Add flour and baking powder, knead until smooth.
- Mash boiled potatoes and mix with black pepper for filling.
- Shape dough into walnut-sized pieces, fill with potatoes, and seal.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
4. Spinach Roll Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 small cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 250g spinach
- 1 onion
- 100g white cheese
- Salt and black pepper
Preparation:
- Sauté chopped onion, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add cheese and spices for filling.
- Brush phyllo sheets with a mixture of yogurt, oil, and egg.
- Spread the filling and roll into logs.
- Arrange on a baking sheet, brush with egg yolk, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
5. Cheesy Sesame Simit Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3½ cups flour
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Egg yolk and sesame seeds for topping
Preparation:
- Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk, wait a few minutes.
- Add oil, salt, and flour, then knead into a soft dough.
- Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Form small balls, fill with cheese, and seal.
- Brush with egg yolk, coat with sesame seeds, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
6. Minced Meat Hunter’s Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 sheets of phyllo dough
- 300g ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 small cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- Bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
Preparation:
- Sauté chopped onion, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
- Add spices and mix well.
- Cut phyllo sheets into triangles, place filling on the wide end, and roll up.
- Dip in beaten egg, coat with bread crumbs.
- Deep-fry until golden brown.
7. Cheese Triangle Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 sheets of phyllo dough
- 200g white cheese
- ½ bunch parsley
- 1 small cup milk
- 1 small cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- Oil for frying
Preparation:
- Mix cheese and finely chopped parsley.
- Cut phyllo sheets into strips.
- Place filling at the end of each strip, fold into triangles.
- Dip in a mixture of milk, oil, and egg.
- Deep-fry until golden brown.
8. Eggplant Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 sheets of phyllo dough
- 2 eggplants
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 small cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Sesame or black seeds
Preparation:
- Dice eggplants, soak in salted water, drain, and sauté.
- Add chopped onion and spices.
- Cut phyllo sheets into triangles, add filling, and roll up.
- Brush with egg yolk, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
9. Cheesy Puff Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 sheets of puff pastry
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Sesame or black seeds
Preparation:
- Let puff pastry thaw at room temperature.
- Add cheese in the center, fold in half, and press edges to seal.
- Brush with egg yolk, sprinkle sesame seeds.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
10. Homemade Lentil Pastry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked green lentils
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 small cup vegetable oil (for rolling)
Preparation:
- Knead flour, water, and salt into a soft dough, let rest for 30 minutes.
- Sauté onion, add lentils and spices.
- Divide dough, roll out thin sheets, add filling, and roll up.
- Place on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
Now you have a variety of poğaça and börek recipes to bring joy to your table. Enjoy! 😊