Dill Feta Pogaca

Dill Feta Pogaca Recipe - Authentic Turkish Flavor

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Dill Feta Pogaca is a delicious Turkish pastry that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. These savory pastries are filled with crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill, and black olives, giving them a unique and flavorful taste.

History

Pogaca is a traditional Turkish pastry that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is often served at special occasions such as weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. The addition of dill and feta cheese to the classic pogaca recipe adds a fresh and tangy twist to this beloved dish.

Ingredients

1 cup of plain yogurt
0.5 cup of vegetable oil
0.5 cup of butter
2 eggs
2 tsp of baking powder
3 cups of flour
1 cup of crumbled feta
1 bunch of finely chopped dill
0.25 cup of pitted and sliced black olives
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of pepper flakes
Poppy and sesame seeds

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for one egg yolk and seeds. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Brush the dough balls with the reserved egg yolk and sprinkle seeds on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.

Variations

Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the filling for a burst of sweetness.
Experiment with different herbs such as parsley, mint, or basil for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the dill to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough pastries.

- Brushing the dough balls with egg yolk before baking will give them a shiny and golden crust.

- Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or different types of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Dill Feta Pogaca can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad for a light and delicious meal. They also make a great addition to a mezze platter or as an appetizer for a party.

Cooking Techniques

Use a gentle touch when shaping the dough balls to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Make sure to preheat the oven before baking the pogacas to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier flavor.

- Olive oil can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer taste.

- If you don't have dill, you can use parsley or cilantro as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Dill Feta Pogaca can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Dill Feta Pogaca on a platter and garnish with fresh dill sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Dill Feta Pogaca pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine or a cup of Turkish tea. They also go well with a refreshing cucumber salad or tabbouleh.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Dill Feta Pogaca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dill Feta Pogaca contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dill Feta Pogaca contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dill Feta Pogaca contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dill Feta Pogaca contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dill Feta Pogaca is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Dill Feta Pogaca contains dairy (feta cheese, butter), eggs, and gluten (flour).

Summary

Dill Feta Pogaca is a flavorful pastry that is relatively high in fats and proteins, making it a satisfying snack or meal option.

Summary

Dill Feta Pogaca is a delicious and savory pastry that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful filling and light and fluffy texture, these pastries are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, and savor the unique taste of this Turkish classic.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Dill Feta Pogaca. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who had recently returned from a trip to Greece. She had brought back a cookbook filled with traditional Greek recipes, and as she flipped through the pages, my eyes were immediately drawn to the picture of these delicious-looking pastries.

Maria could see my excitement and offered to show me how to make them. She explained that pogaca is a popular pastry in Greece, often served as a snack or with a meal. The combination of dill and feta cheese gave them a unique and savory flavor that I couldn't wait to try.

As we gathered the ingredients and started to prepare the dough, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make these pastries from her own grandmother. She spoke fondly of the time they spent together in the kitchen, mixing and shaping the dough, and how her grandmother's hands seemed to move with such grace and skill.

I listened intently as Maria passed down her family's recipe to me, showing me how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic. She explained the importance of letting it rest and rise, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

As we rolled out the dough and cut it into circles, Maria showed me how to fill each one with a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese and chopped dill. She demonstrated the proper way to fold and pinch the edges, creating a beautiful and intricate pattern.

I watched in awe as Maria placed the pastries on a baking sheet and brushed them with a mixture of beaten egg and milk, giving them a golden and shiny finish. The aroma that filled the kitchen as they baked in the oven was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the pogaca were finally ready, Maria pulled them out of the oven and placed them on a platter for us to enjoy. The sight of the golden, flaky pastries filled with creamy cheese and fragrant dill was enough to make my mouth water.

We sat down at the table and savored each bite, the flavors exploding on our tongues with every mouthful. The combination of the salty feta cheese, the fresh dill, and the buttery pastry was truly a match made in heaven.

As I finished my last bite, I couldn't help but feel grateful to Maria for sharing this recipe with me. It was more than just a pastry - it was a piece of her family's history, passed down through generations and now entrusted to me.

I knew that I would treasure this recipe for Dill Feta Pogaca and share it with my own loved ones, continuing the tradition of cooking and creating memories in the kitchen. And as I licked my fingers clean of the last crumbs, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of all the delicious meals and moments that were yet to come.