Sesame and Cheese Pogacha

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup (100g) crumbled feta cheese or white cheese 1/2 cup (100g) crumbled feta cheese or white cheese
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the warm water, plain yogurt, 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 it 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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions.
7. 7.
   Take one portion of the dough and flatten it into a circle. Place a spoonful of crumbled feta cheese or white cheese in the center of the circle.
8. 8.
   Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese, sealing it completely. Shape it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
9. 9.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough portions and cheese.
10. 10.
    Brush the tops of the pogachas with water and sprinkle sesame seeds generously over each one.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pogachas turn golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute feta cheese with white cheese or any other crumbly cheese of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add herbs such as thyme or oregano to the dough.
• Make sure to seal the pogachas tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
• Serve the pogachas warm for the best taste and texture.
• You can store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese fillings to create your own unique variations.

Serving advice

Sesame and Cheese Pogacha is best served warm. It can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or paired with a cup of tea or Turkish tea for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside soups, salads, or main courses.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Sesame and Cheese Pogachas on a platter, showcasing their golden crust and sesame seed topping. Sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, over the pogachas for an added touch of color. Serve them with a small bowl of olive oil or yogurt dip for dipping.