Savory Spinach, Leek, and Feta Gözleme: A Crispy Mediterranean Delight You Can Master at Home

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There’s something deeply comforting about rolling out dough with your own hands, folding it around a flavorful filling, and hearing it sizzle in a hot pan. You don’t need to be a professional chef or travel across the globe to experience the joy of Turkish street food. With a few fresh ingredients and a bit of guidance, you can bring the authentic flavor of savory spinach, leek, and feta gözleme right into your own kitchen.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

If you’ve never tried gözleme before, prepare yourself for a culinary experience that’s both rustic and rich in flavor. It’s not just food — it’s a warm, flaky, golden connection to generations of Mediterranean tradition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish has a way of impressing without trying too hard. And the best part? You’re in control — no fancy equipment, no complicated techniques. Just honest ingredients and heartfelt cooking.

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What Is Gözleme? Unwrapping the Layers of a Turkish Classic

A Traditional Flatbread With Endless Possibilities

So, what exactly is gözleme? Think of it as a hand-rolled, pan-cooked flatbread stuffed with a variety of savory fillings. While it originates from Turkish cuisine, this dish has a universal charm that makes it a hit in kitchens worldwide.

Unlike store-bought flatbreads or doughy snacks that lose their soul in mass production, gözleme stays true to its roots. It’s traditionally made by rolling out a thin, soft dough and stuffing it with ingredients like spinach, feta, minced meat, or mushrooms — then folding and sealing it before cooking it to a golden brown on a flat griddle or skillet.

You’ll find it sold in Turkish bazaars, beachside stalls, and roadside cafés. But now, you can make it in your own home without compromising on flavor or authenticity.

Common Gözleme Fillings You Can Explore:

• Spinach and feta (as in this recipe)
• Minced lamb and onion
• Potato and fresh herbs
• Mushroom and cheese
• Mixed greens with spicy pepper flakes

But today, you’ll be mastering the unbeatable combination of spinach, leek, and feta — a filling that brings together earthiness, tang, and creaminess in every bite.

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The Ingredients: Fresh, Simple, and Mediterranean-Inspired

Everything You’ll Need to Make Spinach, Leek, and Feta Gözleme

Here’s the beauty of this recipe — you probably already have many of these ingredients in your kitchen. You won’t need yeast or complicated steps. The dough is quick, soft, and forgiving. The filling is all about balance — salty, green, and packed with fresh flavor.

For the Dough:

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Full-fat Greek yogurt	1/3 cup
Extra virgin olive oil	1 tablespoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Warm water	1/2 cup

For the Filling:

Ingredient	Amount
Extra virgin olive oil	2 1/2 tbsp (divided)
Leek, cleaned and chopped	1 large
Fresh spinach, chopped	3 cups
Feta cheese, crumbled	1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups
Fresh dill, chopped	1/3 cup
Salt and pepper	To taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)	A pinch

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Leeks give a subtle sweetness that balances the salty feta.
• Spinach adds freshness and texture, while also boosting nutrition.
• Dill brings brightness and an unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
• Greek yogurt in the dough makes it tender with a slight tang — and no yeast required.

With just a few quality ingredients, you’ll be surprised how rich and layered this flatbread becomes.

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How to Make Gözleme Step-by-Step: From Dough to Golden Brown

Now comes the fun part — getting hands-on with your gözleme. No need to rush through this. Set aside a little time, and enjoy the process. Cooking gözleme is as much about the journey as it is about the end result.

Step 1: Making the Dough

You’ll start with a dough that’s soft and easy to work with.

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, stirring as you go, until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 7–8 minutes until the dough is smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

While the dough rests, you’ll whip up the delicious filling.

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped leek and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed leeks, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, fresh dill, remaining olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Assembling the Gözleme

Here’s where it all comes together.

Instructions:

1. Take one dough ball and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16-inch circle.
2. Fold in the right and left sides toward the center.
3. Place one-third of the filling in the center.
4. Fold the top and bottom over the filling, then press the seams to seal.

Step 4: Cooking the Gözleme

Time to bring the flavor to life.

Instructions:

1. Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet with a touch of olive oil.
2. Place the folded gözleme seam-side down and cook over medium heat for 2.5 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove, let it cool slightly, and slice before serving.

Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

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Next Sections Coming Up:

In the next continuation, you’ll get:

• ⏱️ Prep and nutrition breakdown
• 🍴 Why this recipe works: balance of taste and nutrition
• 🧠 Tips and tricks for better results
• 🍽️ Serving ideas and storing leftovers
• ❓ FAQ for common reader questions
• 🔚 Strong call-to-action to boost engagement

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