Deep-Fried Meat Turnovers (Çiborek)

Çibörek is a popular savory pastry from Turkish and Crimean Tatar cuisine, featuring thin, crispy dough filled with a juicy ground meat mixture. These deep-fried turnovers are crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. Making çibörek at home lets you enjoy this traditional delicacy fresh and warm anytime.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 tablespoon grape vinegar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling:

• 250 grams lean ground beef

• 1 medium onion, grated

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup water

For frying:

• 1½ cups sunflower oil

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dough ingredients. Knead until you get a smooth, non-sticky dough. If the dough is too wet, gradually add more flour. Cover and let it rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.

2. For the filling, mix ground beef, grated onion, salt, black pepper, and water thoroughly in a bowl.

3. Divide the rested dough into equal-sized balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle roughly the size of a large plate.

4. Spread a portion of the meat filling on half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over the filling to create a “D” shape and press the edges gently to seal.

5. Heat sunflower oil in a wide frying pan. Fry each çibörek on both sides until golden and crispy, turning carefully.

6. Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy!

Çibörek is a delicious blend of crispy dough and juicy meat filling, embodying the rich culinary heritage of Turkey and Crimea. It’s a perfect street food or homemade treat to share with friends and family.