Poğaças pronounced pwa-cha is a savory Turkish pastry made with feta and blue cheese. They are a close cousin to the Middle Eastern cheese fatayer, or the Greek tiropita. The dough is similar in consistency to that of a biscuit dough. It uses no eggs, and has a nice elasticity that makes it incredibly easy to work with. There is no sticky factor to this dough at all!!
Turkish cuisine
Turkish cuisine is very interesting because it has elements of both east and west since Turkey is a geographical bridge between two cultures. I am definitely planning on offering you more Turkish food recipes since I currently have several Turkish friends, both here in the US and in Turkey that I can go to for recipes and cultural information. The Turkish food near me happens to be my kitchen!
Serving pogacas
Poğaças are served as mezze, the Turkish or Middle Eastern equivalent to the Spanish tapas, that have grown in popularity over the last few years. I first came in contact Poğaças at a department Christmas party. One of the guys in my department, Doug, a real foodie brought them. I was extremely taken with the flavor and of course had to ask for the recipe which he was willing to share. This particular recipe came from one of the visiting Fullbright students - Bengu - who was teaching Turkish at the University where I work a number of years ago. I have adapted this recipe slightly. I have omitted the blue cheese since my family has issues with blue cheese, sigh!
What are nigella seeds?
Traditionally nigella seeds are sprinkled on top of the poğaças. They have a bit of a peppery taste and therefore impart an interesting flavor on the food. These seeds are also known as black caraway, black cumin or black sesame. They are believed to have extensive health benefits. However if you cannot find these seeds, in your local market, you can use poppy seeds or toasted sesame seeds (like I did) or even chia seeds 
(no, not the chia pet kind!) Chia seeds are sold in the health food section of most grocery stores and are also said to have some great health benefits (Omega 3), but that is the subject of another post.
For the purpose of this recipe, toasted sesame seeds will work well. However if you must, you can purchase nigella
seeds online.
If you love to try new ethnic foods here are some interesting dishes that are very easy. These are some of my most popular ethnic dishes, their history and ingredients to make at home.
Cuban Ropa Vieja: A true comfort food of slow cooked beef served over rice.
Recaito: This is the ingredient used in many Latin soups, stews and black beans.
Sofrito: You need to have this base ingredient for Latin style beans and shredded chicken.
Latin Style Black Beans: If you have never tried these you are missing out and they are so easy!
Tilapia Ceviche: A citrus cured fish or shrimp appetizer with some kick.
📖 Recipe
Poğaças - Turkish Cheese Filled Pastries
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks + 1 Tbs. water for egg wash
- 5 cups flour
- 200 grams butter softened
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon nigella seeds for sprinkling*
*you can substitute poppy seeds for nigella seeds or also toasted sesame seeds.
Filling:
- ¾ cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 Tbs parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Combine all filling ingredients in a bowl and set aside
- In a small bowl, beat egg yolks with 1 Tbs. of water. Set aside. You will use this to brush the pogacas before baking.
- Place all dough ingredients in a wide and deep bowl, Mix thoroughly and knead with your hands until the dough is elastic, non sticky and smooth, Take a piece of dough that is approximately the size of an egg and flatten on the palm of your hand.
- Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of dough and close up like a half-moon.Make sure the edges are tightly pinched so no filling escapes during the baking process.
- Place the pogacas on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet (about 12 per sheet)
- Brush with egg wash.
- Sprinkle with nigella seeds and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Yield: about 25-28 pogacas.
Maine says
As a geographical bridge, Turkey would definitely have a good blend of east and west delicacies.
Analida says
And indeed it does have a lovely blend. Turkey is on my bucket list, the food is amazing.
Elaine Benoit says
Analida, these pogacas look so delicious!! I love learning about different cultures and their foods. This is definitely a new recipe for me and I can't wait to try it!!
Jenni LeBaron says
I've never heard of Pogacas before but I love middle eastern food and these certainly look delicious! I also appreciate that you listed several alternatives for the nigella seeds because those can sometimes be difficult to find.
Emily Leary says
My mouth is watering just looking at these! I love to make food from different countries and and these poğaças look quick and easy to make and so delicious!
Anna says
This looks and sounds like a very interesting dish! I don't think I've ever tried anything from Turkish cuisine, so saving this one to make in the near future!
Analida says
These are very easy to bake too! They make a great little appetizer.
Anne Lawton says
I have never heard of pogacas, but glad I have now. They look delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Tammy says
I've never had anything like these before but they look and sound terrific! I would love to give them a try sometime 🙂
Amanda Mason says
These look so delish! I've never seen anything like these before! I'd like to sop them up with some nice stew!! Pinning these for later!
Chef Markus Mueller says
Big fan of trying new foods! Turkish cuisine is so underrated, many Middle Eastern cuisines are really, they are simply not as popular here in North America, though the food is often much better then our current modern diets!
Nicolas Hortense says
Wow, I have always loved Turkish food but I don't think I have ever had a Turkish pastry before. That feta filling sounds incredible!!
Analida says
Thanks Nicolas! The filling has a nice salty flavor!
Nicoletta Sugarlovespices says
We would love these! Never had but the way you described them we were sold. It's always nice to learn more about a country through its food.
Analida says
Hi Nicoletta, The dough is really simple to make too!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
I am a big fan of Turkish cuisine! I love finding new Turkish recipes to make at home ,and this one looks great. The feta and herb filling with that crispy pastry seems like pure heaven!
Analida says
These are easy to bake and make a great appetizer too! Thanks Ashley!
Michele says
Wow!! These sound amazing! I’m a sucker for anything with cheese. I am ALL about the pastries too. Can’t wait to try these!
Analida says
These have a nice crunchy, flakey texture with a nice salty filling!