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    Home >> Turkish

    Spicy Turkish Meat Pastries

    Modified: Jul 27, 2022 · Published: Jan 28, 2022 by Analida · • Word count:1065 words. • About 6 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Talas Kebabi: Turkish puff pastry with beef. | ethnicspoon.com

    I love anything wrapped in a pastry; well, almost anything. Who doesn't love a flaky, fluffy, buttery, melt in your mouth pastry enveloping a delicious sweet or savory filling? I don't know anyone, do you?

    a blue plate with baked turkish pastries

    Jump to:
    • A school lesson
    • Meat Pastries in every culture
    • Step by step photos:
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Spicy Turkish Meat Pastries

    A school lesson

    a turkish pastry cut in half on a patterned plate

    Years ago when I was homeschooling my son, an experience I would like to bury deep in the confines of my memory, I taught a class on empanadas from around the world. It was a hit with the kids, and the couple of moms who were my helpers. It's really cool that virtually every culture in the world has their own version of a stuffed pastry.

    Meat Pastries in every culture

    Turkish meat pastry ( Talas Kebabi) are a close cousin of the typical Latin American/Spanish empanada. However, these little gems use ½ the seasonings without sacrificing any of the flavor. One of the herbs used in this savory puff pastry recipe is fresh mint; courtesy of my garden. Talas Kebabi reflect a French influence, hence the use of puff pastry. Traditionally the dish calls for lamb, but I have used beef instead. Sometimes it is difficult to find lamb during non-holiday times. I really wish lamb was more popular in the US.

    The first time I made these spicy Turkish meat pastries my son had a friend over to visit. To my great horror my son invited his friend to stay for dinner. Normally, I don't mind, but whenever I make something for the first time I prefer to have only my family as the guinea pigs. That's just me! Luckily they turned out great. The friend even helped by brushing the egg wash onto the puff pastry and had seconds and thirds. Success!! These puff pastry appetizers are definitely a keeper I think.

    Step by step photos:

    A collage of photos showing the steps to make Turkish beef pastries or talas kebabi.
    1. Gather all your ingredients and have them measured, chopped and ready to go. Remove the puff pastry from the freeze about 4 hours in advance, wrap with plastic and place in the refrigerator to thaw.
    2. Heat a large skillet on medium, add the olive oil and beef. Stir fry the beef until lightly brown on all sides. Add the onion and garlic them stir to combine.
    3. Add the spices, mint, tomato paste and water. Stir to combine well. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 25 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    4. The mixture should be a bit thick and if not allow to reduce uncovered. Once thick, remove the meat mixture from the pan and spread out on in large glass baking dish or tray and allow to cool. You don't want to put hot filling on the puff pastry as it will melt it.
    5. Roll out two sheets of the thawed pastry on a lightly floured surface into 12 inch squares and cut into 9 pieces of 4x4 inch squares. Place a small amount of the cooled filling in the center. Brush the edges of the pastry around the filling with the egg wash. Work quickly so the pastry stays cold.
    6. Place the top piece of pastry over the filling and seal with the tines of a fork.
    7. Brush the tops with the egg wash.
    8. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store the Turkish beef pastries?

    Once they have completely cooled you can store this in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container or zip top bags.

    How can I reheat the pastries?

    Reheat in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes until warm in the center. I like to put them in my Cosori Air Fryer for 5 minutes at 250°F.

    Can I freeze the Turkish pastries?

     Yes, you can freeze these for up to two months in an airtight container after they are completely cooled. Reheat in the oven at 250°F for 10-12 minutes or 10 minutes in an air fryer at 250°F until warm in the center.

    Want to try more dishes from the Mediterranean?

    My Easy Chicken Shawarma is a great main. If you love roasted lamb, you'll love my Turkish-Style Rack of Lamb that's roasted on a pan and served with delicious herbed couscous and yogurt sauce. If you're looking for a meatless option, I recommend my Turkish Chickpea Burgers if it's sides you're craving then a light and delicious Orange and Onion Salad makes the perfect "un-salad." Before dinner, snack on Ezme, Turkish pepper and tomato relish. 

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook

    A photo of puff pastry filled with Turkish style beef filling.

    Spicy Turkish Meat Pastries

    Here is a Turkish favorite recipe. Talas Kebabi is a spicy meat filled puff pastry and so easy to make.  You'll love the exotic flavors in this! 
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Turkish
    Keyword: traditional Turkish food
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 390kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb puff pastry 1 package, frozen
    • 1 lb beef cut into strips
    • 1 Tbsp olive oil
    • 1 onion small, sliced thin
    • 2 garlic clove minced
    • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
    • ¼ cup water
    • 1 tsp salt
    • ½ tsp paprika
    • ⅛ tsp allspice
    • ½ tsp mint fresh, chopped
    • 1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water for egg wash

    Instructions

    • In a skillet over medium heat add the olive oil and stir fry the beef until lightly brown.
    • Add the onions and garlic and stir.
    • Add the spices and mint and the tomato paste and water and blend together well.
    • Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 25 minutes. The filling should be a bit thick and if not uncover and allow to reduce a bit until thick.
    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the hot filling out on a glass baking dish or tray to allow to cool. You don't want to add hot filling to the pastry as is will melt it.
    • To assemble, roll out each puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into 12 inch squares.
    • Cut into 9 equal 4x4 squares.
    • Place a small amount of filling in the center of a square. Brush the edges around the filling with the egg wash. Top with another square and seal with the tines of a fork.
    • Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for about 25 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until golden brown.
    • Serve warm.

    Notes

    Place the frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator for 4 hours to thaw wrapped in plastic.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 188mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 2.2mg

    Originally published August 2015 and updated January 2022.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ann

      August 14, 2015 at 10:50 am

      Looks absolutely mouth-watering! 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 14, 2015 at 2:09 pm

        Thanks Ann!

        Reply
    2. Denise Wright

      August 15, 2015 at 2:44 pm

      These look solo tasty! They remind me a little of something my aunt used to make and that I haven't had in a very long time. Can't wait to try them.

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 16, 2015 at 3:44 pm

        Thanks Denise! I hope you get to try them soon!

        Reply
    3. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom

      August 15, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Yep, how can you go wrong when it is wrapped in puff pastry? LOVE!!

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 17, 2015 at 2:38 pm

        You're right Kristen!!! How can you go wrong? LOL 🙂

        Reply
    4. Carlee

      August 18, 2015 at 8:26 am

      That looks amazing! It looks like it would be complicated to make, but the instructions make it seem manageable. I will have to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 18, 2015 at 6:23 pm

        Carlee, yes, it is easy, especially if you don't have to make the puff pastry from scratch. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Abida

      September 18, 2015 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      Meat in puff pastry? Always a winning combination!

      Reply
      • Analida

        September 18, 2015 at 5:51 pm

        🙂 Isn't it?

        Reply
    6. Barrett Hong

      July 05, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      Where's the mint in the recipe?

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 07, 2016 at 2:26 pm

        You add 1/2 tsp to the meat mixture along with the spices. Thanks!

        Reply
    7. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life

      August 09, 2016 at 9:17 am

      I love eating meat pastries, but I've never tried making them! These look so good, I'm very tempted! Thanks for the inspiration, Analida!

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 09, 2016 at 2:40 pm

        Thanks Michelle! The pre-made puff pastry makes them easy to prepare. I have never attempted to make puff pastry from scratch; it looks difficult.

        Reply
    8. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

      August 09, 2016 at 12:55 pm

      Love the addition of fresh mint in here. Looks fantastic!

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 09, 2016 at 2:39 pm

        Thanks Ashley!

        Reply
    9. Alexandra Turner

      September 02, 2024 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      These are DELICIOUS! My husband and I absolutely loved them and can’t wait to have these for dinner regularly!

      Reply
      • Analida

        September 03, 2024 at 11:20 am

        Thanks Alexandra! These are so easy to make and great flavors. I am so happy you enjoyed them!

        Reply

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