Quick Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium brown onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup (50g) drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 large flour tortillas or flatbreads
- 2 cups (60g) baby spinach leaves
- 3.5 oz (100g) feta cheese, crumbled
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Mixed salad greens, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up any lumps as you cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned. Sprinkle in the ground cumin and red pepper flakes, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated and the beef begins to crisp slightly.
2. Assemble the Gozleme
Lay out your four tortillas or flatbreads on a clean work surface. Divide the beef mixture evenly among them, spreading it over one half of each wrap. Top the beef with a generous handful of baby spinach leaves and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
To seal the gozleme, lightly sprinkle a few drops of water on the empty half of each wrap. This will help create a good seal. Fold the empty half over the filled side to create a half-moon shape.
3. Cook the Gozleme
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly spray one side of a filled gozleme with cooking oil. Place it in the hot pan, oiled side down, and cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Spray the top side with oil, then carefully flip the gozleme. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on the second side until crispy and heated through. Transfer to a cutting board and repeat with the remaining gozleme.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Cut each gozleme into wedges and arrange on serving plates. Accompany with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top and a side of mixed salad greens for a fresh contrast.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For an extra crispy exterior, brush the gozleme with melted butter instead of cooking spray before pan-frying.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the beef with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.
- For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 gozleme):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
This Beef and Spinach Gozleme is not just a meal; it’s a delicious journey through Turkish street food culture. The crispy exterior gives way to a savory, spiced beef filling, complemented by the freshness of spinach and the tangy bite of feta. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling markets of Istanbul. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight dinner idea or wanting to impress guests with something unique, this gozleme recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the adventure of cooking and savoring this Turkish-inspired delight!
