Authentic Turkish Beyti Recipe - Ground Lamb or Beef Wrapped in Lavash or Phyllo

 

   Beyti is a traditional Turkish dish that typically consists of ground lamb or beef that is mixed  with spices and wrapped in lavash or phyllo dough, then grilled or baked. The dish is often served  with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce. It's a popular dish in Turkish cuisine and can be found in  many Turkish restaurants. The name "Beyti" means "nobleman" in Turkish, which is a reference to  the dish's origins as a dish served to the Ottoman elite. Here is a recipe for Beyti:

  Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8-10 sheets of lavash or phyllo dough
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

 For the yogurt and tomato sauce:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato puree
• Salt and pepper to taste

   Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground lamb or beef, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
2. Take one sheet of lavash or phyllo dough, place a spoonful of meat mixture in the center, and roll up to form a tube shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and meat mixture.
3. Brush the rolls with melted butter.
4. Preheat a grill or oven to 375 F (190 C). Grill or bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the dough is golden brown.
5. While the rolls are cooking, prepare the yogurt and tomato sauce by mixing the yogurt, garlic, tomato puree, salt, and pepper.
6. Once the rolls are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Slice the rolls and serve with yogurt and tomato sauce.

   Note: Some variations of the recipe may include using ground chicken, and also some may  include parsley, mint and cilantro. Some also use yogurt, garlic and tomato sauce to make "sos"  which is poured over the meat roll.