Original Bakery-Style Turkish Pogaca

Ingredients:

• 250g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 egg whites (reserve the yolks for brushing on top)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Approximately 1 kg all-purpose flour
• Filling: Lor cheese (Turkish white cheese)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the liquid ingredients: butter (or margarine), warm water, sugar, egg whites, and salt. Mix well.
2. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, kneading until the dough is soft and slightly sticky. The dough should be easy to handle but not too dry. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 40 minutes.
3. After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about 15-16 pieces). Flip each ball upside down and press the center gently to create a small cavity.
4. Fill the cavity with Lor cheese or any other filling of your choice. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and gently press it to create a lip-shaped pogaca.
5. Place the filled pogacas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg yolks for a shiny finish.
6. Let the pogacas rest on the baking sheet for an additional 20 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) with the fan function on.
8. Bake the pogacas until they turn golden brown on top.
9. Once they are ready, take the pogacas out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy the delightful taste of the original Turkish Pogaca!

Recipe courtesy of yemek_kelebegi.