Kayseri Yağlaması (Şebit Yağlama)

Known as Kayseri Yağlaması or Şebit Yağlama, this traditional Turkish dish is often called the “Turkish lasagna.” Layers of thin flatbreads are stacked with a savory minced meat sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that is both filling and unique. Hailing from Kayseri, one of Turkey’s culinary capitals, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic and hearty Turkish recipes.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 4 cups flour

• 1/2 cup warm water

• 1 cup warm milk

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon instant yeast

• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the filling:

• 350 g ground beef

• 3 tomatoes, grated

• 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 green pepper, diced

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For serving (optional):

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Garlic yogurt sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: Place the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add warm milk, yeast, vegetable oil, salt, and sugar.

2. Gradually pour in warm water while kneading until you get a smooth, elastic dough.

3. Lightly flour another bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 40 minutes until doubled in size.

4. Divide the dough into small balls, cover them with a cloth, and let them rest for 10 more minutes.

5. Prepare the filling: In a pan, lightly sauté the ground beef until browned.

6. Add the chopped onion and green pepper, stirring until softened.

7. Mix in the grated tomatoes and tomato paste, then let it cook until the tomatoes release their juices.

8. Add water gradually, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

9. Cook the flatbreads: Roll out each dough ball with a rolling pin on a floured surface until thin.

10. Heat a nonstick pan and cook each flatbread on both sides until lightly golden. Repeat until all are cooked.

11. Assemble: Place one flatbread on a serving plate, spread the meat mixture evenly over it, then add another flatbread on top. Repeat the process, layering flatbread and filling until everything is used.

12. Garnish with finely chopped parsley. Optionally, drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce before serving. Slice and enjoy warm.

Kayseri Yağlaması is more than just a meal — it’s a cultural experience straight from Turkey’s culinary heartland. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite comfort food! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and share it with friends.