Yeast-Free Soft Poğaça (Turkish Savory Pastries)

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 eggs (separate 1 yolk for brushing the pastries)
• 2 cups plain yogurt (220 ml cup)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 packets baking powder
• All-purpose flour (approximately 5 cups)

For the Filling:

• White cheese (1 bowl)
• Parsley (half a bunch)

For the Topping:

• Egg yolk
• Sesame seeds, nigella seeds (çörek otu)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the filling for the pastries. Take white cheese and crumble or grate it into a bowl. Add finely chopped parsley and mix well.
2. For the dough, in a separate bowl, mix vegetable oil, salt, sugar, yogurt, and one of the eggs (separate the yolk).
3. Sift in the baking powder and all-purpose flour gradually, kneading until you get a soft, non-sticky dough. The dough should have a consistency that does not stick to your hands.
4. Take lemon-sized pieces from the dough, roll them in between your palms, and flatten them slightly.
5. Place the cheese filling in the center of each flattened dough piece and fold it lengthwise to give it a crescent shape.
6. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush the pastries with the beaten egg yolk and make a light incision in the center using a sharp knife.
8. Sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds (çörek otu) on top of the pastries.
9. Bake the pastries in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit) until they turn golden brown.
10. Serve the pastries warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Thanks to aysununmutfaklezzetleri for the recipe.