Crispy Turkish Minced Meat & Potato Pastry

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

Pastry Sheets:

• 6 fresh yufka sheets (or large phyllo pastry sheets)

Minced Meat & Potato Filling:

• 300 g ground beef

• 2 large potatoes (finely grated and thoroughly squeezed dry)

• 2 onions (finely diced)

• ½ tea glass (approx. ¼ cup) vegetable oil

• 2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp red pepper flakes

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Crispy Layering Sauce:

• 1 bottle (200 ml) sparkling mineral water

• 1 cup milk

• 1 tea glass (approx. ½ cup) olive oil

• 3 eggs

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch

• 1 pack baking powder (approx. 10 g / 2.5 tsp)

Chef's Pro Tips

✨ 1. Squeeze the grated potatoes firmly to remove all liquid; excess moisture will make the inner pastry soggy.✨ 2. Always let the cooked filling cool completely before assembling.✨ 3. Add the sparkling water to the sauce at the very last moment to preserve its carbonation, and slice the pastry before baking.

Instructions

1. Cook the Filling: Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onions until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and its juices evaporate. Stir in the well-squeezed grated potatoes and all spices; sauté for another 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

2. Whisk the Sauce: In a bowl, vigorously whisk together the milk, olive oil, eggs, flour, starch, and baking powder until smooth. Gently stir in the sparkling mineral water right at the end.

3. Assemble the Base: Brush a baking tray with oil. Lay the first pastry sheet with its edges hanging over the sides. Spoon a generous amount of sauce over it. Scrunch and layer the next two sheets, brushing plenty of sauce between each layer (3 sheets for the base).

4. Fill: Spread the cooled meat and potato mixture evenly across the base.

5. Top and Slice: Layer the remaining 3 pastry sheets over the filling, brushing generous amounts of sauce between each layer. Fold the overhanging edges over the top. Pour any remaining sauce evenly across the surface and slice into squares.

6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is deeply golden, puffed, and wonderfully crispy.