Turkish Lasagna - Kayseri Yağlaması
Kayseri Yağlaması is a beloved specialty from Turkey’s Kayseri region, often described as “Turkish Lasagna.” Thin, soft flatbreads are stacked with a flavorful ground beef sauce layered between each sheet, then served with garlic yogurt. Light, satisfying, and perfect for gatherings.
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Recipe Details
Ingredients
Shopping List
- 4 cups All-purpose flourFor flatbread dough
- 1.5 cups Warm waterFor dough
- 10 g Dry yeast1 packet
- 1 tsp SaltFor dough
- 400 g Ground beefPrefer 80–85% lean
- 1 pieces OnionFinely chopped
- 1 tbsp Tomato pasteAdds depth of flavor
- 2 pieces TomatoesFinely chopped or grated
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or butterFor sautéing
- 0.5 cups WaterFor thinning meat sauce
- 1 tsp SaltTo taste
- 0.5 tsp Black pepperTo taste
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakesOptional
- 2 cloves GarlicFor yogurt topping
- 1.5 cups YogurtPlain, thick
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the dough: mix flour, salt, yeast, and warm water. Knead until soft and smooth. Cover and rest 45–60 minutes.
Step 2
Divide the rested dough into 8–10 equal balls and roll each into thin circles (20–25 cm).
Step 3
Cook each flatbread in a preheated dry pan on medium heat until lightly golden on both sides. Keep them soft, not crispy.
Step 4
Prepare the meat sauce: sauté onion in oil or butter until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Step 5
Add tomato paste, grated tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Step 6
Add 1/2 cup water and simmer until saucy, not dry. Remove from heat.
Step 7
Assemble: place one flatbread on a large plate, spread a layer of meat sauce evenly. Repeat layering until all flatbreads are used.
Step 8
Cut the layered stack into triangles like a cake.
Step 9
Prepare garlic yogurt: mix crushed garlic with yogurt until smooth.
Step 10
Serve slices warm with generous spoonfuls of garlic yogurt on top.
Congratulations!
You've successfully prepared an authentic Turkish dish. Enjoy your delicious creation!
About This Recipe
Kayseri Yağlaması, also known as “Şebit” is one of Turkey’s most iconic regional dishes. It consists of freshly cooked soft flatbreads layered with a rich, aromatic minced meat sauce. Each layer absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a tender, melt-in-the-mouth savory stack.
The dish is traditionally served sliced like a cake, topped with garlic-infused yogurt. Its secret lies in keeping the flatbreads soft-not crispy-and preparing a sauce that is well-seasoned, slightly saucy, and easy to spread.
Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or festive meals, Kayseri Yağlaması represents the warmth and hearty flavors of Central Anatolian cuisine.
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