Original Karaköy Poğaça

Ingredients

• 250 g Butter (At room temperature; margarine may be used instead, if desired.)
• 0.5 cup Lukewarm water (The ingredients should be at room temperature; the water should be lukewarm.)
• 1 packet Dry yeast
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 Eggs (Reserve the yolk of one egg for brushing the tops; use at room temperature.)
• White cheese (For the filling; the quantity is not specified. The video mentions that cheddar cheese or other fillings may also be used.)
• 1 tsp Mahleb
• 5.5 cup Flour (Approximately 5.5–6 cups; add gradually and adjust as needed.)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring all the ingredients to room temperature. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry yeast, lukewarm water, and granulated sugar.

3. 3

   Add the mahleb and salt, and mix.

4. 4

   Add the eggs, reserving the yolk of one egg for brushing the tops.

5. 5

   Add the room-temperature butter and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Margarine may be used instead of butter, if desired.

6. 6

   Add the flour gradually and knead as you go. Continue kneading until you have a soft dough that is slightly sticky; if necessary, transfer the dough to the work surface and knead it there.

7. 7

   Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

8. 8

   Gently flatten each portion with your hands. Place white cheese in the center and seal the edges well. If desired, use cheddar cheese, olives, or another filling instead of white cheese, as mentioned in the video.

9. 9

   Arrange the poğaças on the parchment-lined baking tray.

10. 10

    Brush the reserved egg yolk over the poğaças and lightly score the tops with a fork.

11. 11

    Cover the tray and leave the poğaças to proof for approximately 30 minutes.

12. 12

    Heat the oven to 75°C and let the poğaças rest in the oven for 10 minutes.

13. 13

    Increase the oven temperature to 180°C. Bake the poğaças for approximately 20–25 minutes, until their tops are nicely golden brown.

Notes

The amount of flour is approximately 5.5–6 cups and should be added gradually. The source does not specify the quantity of white cheese. The video mentions that cheddar cheese, olives, or other fillings may be used; the poğaças can also be prepared plain.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• pastry
• poğaça
• yeasted
• oven-baked
• cheese-filled
• Turkish cuisine
• bakery-style