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Recipe
Semsek with Spiced Lamb and Yogurt Sauce
Turkish Delight: Spiced Lamb Semsek with Creamy Yogurt Sauce
4.3 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Turkish cuisine with this authentic recipe for Semsek. A traditional dish originating from Turkey, Semsek features tender spiced lamb encased in a flaky pastry, served with a creamy yogurt sauce.
Metadata
Preparation time
45 minutes
Cooking time
20-25 minutes
Total time
65-70 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Mediterranean diet, Protein-rich diet, Balanced diet, Low-carb diet, Gluten-free diet
Allergens
Wheat (gluten), Dairy (yogurt)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Paleo diet, Keto diet
Ingredients
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For the spiced lamb: For the spiced lamb:
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500g (1.1 lb) lamb, minced 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
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2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
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For the pastry: For the pastry:
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300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
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150g (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 150g (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
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120ml (½ cup) cold water 120ml (½ cup) cold water
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For the yogurt sauce: For the yogurt sauce:
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250g (1 cup) Greek yogurt 250g (1 cup) Greek yogurt
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
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Salt to taste Salt to taste
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
- Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
- Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 2g)
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.In a bowl, combine the minced lamb, ground cumin, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cold cubed butter, and salt. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
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3.Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
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4.Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
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5.Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a thin circle.
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6.Place a portion of the marinated lamb onto one half of each pastry circle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half of the pastry over the lamb and press the edges to seal.
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7.Transfer the Semsek onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
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8.While the Semsek is baking, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, chopped mint, and salt in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
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9.Serve the hot Semsek with the yogurt sauce on the side.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Lamb — For the best flavor, choose high-quality lamb that is freshly minced. If desired, you can substitute lamb with beef or chicken mince.
- Greek yogurt — Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve a creamy and rich texture in the sauce.
- Fresh mint — Use fresh mint leaves for a vibrant and aromatic flavor in the yogurt sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- To enhance the flavor of the spiced lamb, allow it to marinate for a longer period, such as overnight.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the lamb marinade.
- If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic used in the spiced lamb mixture.
- Serve the Semsek with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
- Leftover Semsek can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
Serving advice
Serve the Semsek hot, straight from the oven, alongside the creamy yogurt sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Semsek on a platter, allowing the golden brown pastry to showcase the delicious filling. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top or serve it in a separate bowl for dipping.
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