Mežerli Delight

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese or Turkish white cheese 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese or Turkish white cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil, for brushing Olive oil, for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, dill, mint, and black pepper. Mix well.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
8. 8.
   Roll out each portion into a thin circle or oval shape.
9. 9.
   Spoon the cheese and herb mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10.
    Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
11. 11.
    Place the stuffed flatbreads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
12. 12.
    Brush the tops of the flatbreads with olive oil.
13. 13.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
15. 15.
    Serve the Mežerli delight warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta or Turkish white cheese — Make sure to crumble the cheese into small pieces for easy incorporation into the filling.
• Fresh herbs — Rinse the herbs thoroughly and pat them dry before chopping to remove any excess moisture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese and herb mixture.
• Experiment with different combinations of herbs, such as adding basil or oregano, to customize the flavor according to your preference.
• Serve the Mežerli delight with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a complete Turkish culinary experience.
• If you prefer a softer crust, you can brush the flatbreads with melted butter instead of olive oil before baking.
• Leftover Mežerli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven to regain the crispness.

Serving advice

Serve the Mežerli delight as an appetizer or snack. Cut the stuffed flatbreads into smaller pieces for easy sharing. They can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner when paired with a salad or soup.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mežerli delight on a platter, allowing the golden crust and vibrant green herbs to be visible. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley for an extra touch of elegance.