Entree: Turkey – Turkish Kurdish Cuisine – Sembusek (Triangular stuffed pastry filled with spiced ground meat, traditionally fried until crisp)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 50 min

Cook 10 min

Total 1 hr

Ingredients

- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (approximately), plus more as needed
- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, adjust to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Vegetable oil for frying, about 2–3 cups (480–720 ml) depending on pan size
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In a bowl combine flour and 1 tsp (5 g) salt. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil and gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. Knead 5–7 minutes, cover, and rest 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking up lumps.
3. Stir in parsley, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and 1 tsp (5 g) salt. Cook 2–3 minutes more to combine flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 6 inches (15 cm) across. Cut each circle in half to make two semicircles.
5. Place about 2 tbsp (30 g) of filling along the straight edge of a semicircle. Brush the edges with beaten egg, fold into a triangle, and press edges firmly to seal. Crimp edges with a fork or twist for a secure seal.
6. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sembusek in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
7. Alternatively, brush with egg and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 18–22 minutes until golden, turning once.
8. Serve hot with lemon wedges and plain yogurt or a simple salad.