This Turkish street food-inspired dish is a mouthwatering combination of soft, homemade flatbread and a savory filling of ground meat, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices. The wrap is a perfect meal to enjoy on the go, stuffed with your favorite vegetables and meat. It is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste, making it a great choice for both lunch and dinner. The combination of aromatic spices, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked ground meat wrapped in fresh bread is sure to impress anyone who tries it. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into an extraordinary dish that bursts with flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

Flour – 280 g

Dry yeast – 5 g (about 1 1/2 tsp)
Sugar – 1 tablespoon
Salt – 1 teaspoon

Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
Water – 130 ml (warm)

For the Filling:

Tomato – 1, diced
Onion – 1, finely chopped
Yellow bell pepper – 1/2, finely chopped

Red bell pepper – 1/2, finely chopped
Hot pepper – 1, finely chopped
Ground meat – 250 g (beef, lamb, or a mix)

Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Salt – 1 teaspoon

Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Green onion – 1/2 bunch, finely chopped

Parsley and dill – 1/2 bunch each, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix 5 g of dry yeast with 130 ml of warm water and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 280 g of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir everything together until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If necessary, add a little more flour or water to achieve the right consistency.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Cook the Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers (yellow and red) until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Ground Meat: Stir in the ground meat (250 g) and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.

Season the Filling: Add the tomato paste, diced tomato, hot pepper, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the meat mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add Fresh Herbs: Once the filling is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped green onion, parsley, and dill. This will add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll and Cook the Flatbread

Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
Roll the Flatbread: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin, round flatbread, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
Cook the Flatbread: Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each flatbread for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown spots appear and the bread is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm under a clean towel.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

Fill the Flatbread: Lay one flatbread on a clean surface and spoon a generous amount of the meat and vegetable filling into the center.
Wrap it Up: Fold the flatbread around the filling, tucking in the edges to create a wrap. Repeat with the remaining flatbreads and filling.

Serve: Serve the wraps immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of yogurt sauce if desired.

Cooking Tips:

Dough Texture: If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add a little more flour until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too dry, add a small splash of water.
Filling Variations: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding different vegetables or spices, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or cumin. You can also substitute the ground meat with chicken or a plant-based option like lentils.

Make Ahead: The flatbreads can be made ahead of time and kept warm in a low oven or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. The filling can also be prepared ahead and reheated before serving.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot pepper based on your heat tolerance. For a milder version, skip the hot pepper or use a sweet pepper variety instead.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover wraps or filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the wraps in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Freezing: Both the dough and the filling freeze well. To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. The filling can be frozen in a sealed container and reheated as needed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Wrap, Based on 4 Servings):

Calories: 400-450 kcal
Protein: 20-25 g

Fat: 15-18 g
Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
Fiber: 5-6 g

Sodium: 600-700 mg

This recipe is a good source of protein from the ground meat, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use store-bought flatbread? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought flatbreads or tortillas as a quick substitute. However, homemade flatbread provides a fresher, softer texture.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can replace the ground meat with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version of this wrap.

3. What other sauces can I serve with the wrap? These wraps pair well with yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki or a garlic yogurt dip. You can also drizzle some tahini sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

4. How do I make the dough softer? Adding olive oil to the dough, as in this recipe, helps make the flatbread softer. Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which also contributes to a soft, pliable texture.

5. Can I grill the flatbread instead of cooking it on a skillet? Yes, grilling the flatbread gives it a smoky flavor and charred spots, which adds a rustic touch to the dish.

Conclusion:

These Turkish Flatbread Wraps with Vegetable and Meat Filling are a versatile, hearty meal that captures the essence of Turkish street food. The combination of soft, warm flatbread and a flavorful, spicy filling is irresistible. Whether you’re serving this for a quick family dinner or looking to impress guests with homemade flatbread, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, makes these wraps both healthy and delicious. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors and delightful textures, this Turkish wrap recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!