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Ciborek

Crispy deep fried turnover dough stuffed with a savory juicy ground beef filling. This classic Turkish and Crimean Tatar specialty is served piping hot with a tender center.

45 minMediumServes 4480 cal/serving

TurkishLunchStovetopNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, grated
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, mix 3 cups all-purpose flour, half of the 1 tsp salt, and 1 cup warm water to form a smooth dough, then cover and rest for 20 minutes.

  2. 2

    In a separate bowl, combine 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 medium grated yellow onion, remaining 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper with 2 tablespoons of water to create a juicy meat filling.

  3. 3

    Divide dough into small balls, roll each into a thin circle, place filling on one half, fold over, and seal edges tightly with a fork.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F.

  5. 5

    Fry dough pockets in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.

Questions

Can I make Ciborek gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 3 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Ciborek keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Ciborek?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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