Cheese Pogaca

Turkish cheese pogaca (peynirli pogaca) is a popular savory pastry that is a staple in Turkish cuisine. It is made from a yeasted dough that is typically filled with a mixture of feta cheese, parsley, and other herbs and spices. The pastry is then baked until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

History:

Pogaca has a long history in Turkey, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It was originally made with only flour, water, and salt, and was often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Over time, the recipe evolved to include different fillings, including cheese, spinach, and meat.

Facts:

• Pogaca is often eaten as part of a traditional Turkish breakfast, along with olives, tomato, cucumber, and tea.
• It is also commonly served as a snack or appetizer at parties and gatherings.
• Pogaca is similar to other pastries found in the Balkans, Middle East, and Central Asia, such as the Bulgarian banitsa, the Azerbaijani qutab, and the Uzbek samsa.
• The dough for pogaca can be made with milk or yogurt, which gives it a slightly tangy flavor and helps it rise.
• Pogaca can be made with different fillings, including spinach and feta, ground meat, or even sweet fillings like Nutella or jam.
• The name “pogaca” is derived from the Turkish word “poğaça”, which is believed to have originated from the Persian word “pouga”, meaning baked goods.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Feta cheese, crumbled (as desired)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Add the warm milk and warm water to the mixing bowl and stir to combine.
3. Add the vegetable oil and salt to the mixing bowl and continue to stir until the mixture comes together to form a soft dough.
4. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the mixing bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Divide the dough into small balls (about 2-3 inches in diameter) and flatten them out slightly.
9. Place a small amount of crumbled feta cheese in the center of each flattened dough ball.
10. Gather the edges of the dough together and pinch them to seal the cheese inside.
11. Place the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
12. Beat an egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the dough balls with the egg wash.
13. Bake the cheese pogaca in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside.

Enjoy your delicious Turkish cheese pogaca!