If you’re searching for a unique, flavorful, and satisfying plant-based dish, this Vegan Kayseri Yağlaması, also known as Turkish Lasagna, is about to become your new favorite! Originating from the beautiful city of Kayseri, this dish features layers of soft homemade flatbreads, a rich and spiced tofu crumble sauce, and a garlicky yogurt topping that ties everything together. It’s a meal that will wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
What Is Kayseri Yağlaması?
Traditionally, Kayseri Yağlaması is made with layers of Turkish flatbreads and minced meat sauce. In this vegan version, tofu crumbles replace the meat (click here), and plant-based yogurt keeps the creamy garlic topping dairy-free. Despite these swaps, the dish retains all the bold, aromatic flavors that make it a Turkish classic.
Each layer is spread with a thick, tomato-based sauce flavored with peppers, garlic, and spices. The dish is then sliced into wedges, like a savory cake, and served with a dollop of garlicky yogurt. It’s comforting, hearty, and full of Middle Eastern-inspired flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Flavor: From the spiced tofu crumbles to the garlicky yogurt, every bite bursts with savory goodness.
- Perfect for Sharing: This layered dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, yogurt topping, or even the flatbread thickness to suit your preferences.
What Makes It Special?
The secret to an amazing Vegan Kayseri Yağlaması lies in the details:
- Homemade Flatbreads: Soft, warm flatbreads create the perfect base for layering. They’re surprisingly easy to make and are the heart of the dish.
- Tofu Crumbles: A fantastic vegan substitute for ground meat. Tofu absorbs the spices and sauces, creating a hearty texture.
- Garlicky Yogurt Topping: This creamy finish balances the bold flavors and adds a refreshing tang.
How to Serve Kayseri Yağlaması
This dish is best served fresh, while the flatbreads are warm and the sauce is hot. Slice it into wedges and garnish with fresh parsley or chili flakes for a bit of extra flair. Pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Key Steps to Perfect Vegan Kayseri Yağlaması
- Perfect the Dough: Take the time to knead the flatbread dough until it’s soft and elastic. This ensures the flatbreads cook evenly and stay pliable for layering.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the sauce simmer gently to allow the spices to meld and the tofu to absorb the rich flavors. Don’t rush this step!
- Layer with Care: When assembling, spread a thin, even layer of sauce on each flatbread to prevent the dish from becoming too heavy or soggy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, assemble and serve the dish right after cooking.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep the Flatbreads Warm: Stack cooked flatbreads under a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable.
- Customize the Yogurt Topping: Experiment with different non-dairy yogurts and adjust the garlic to suit your taste.
- Add a Touch of Heat: For spice lovers, sprinkle chili flakes between the layers or on top of the yogurt before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use store-bought flatbreads?
Absolutely! While homemade flatbreads offer the best texture and flavor, store-bought options can save time. Just make sure they are soft and pliable.
What’s a good substitute for tofu crumbles?
You can use crumbled tempeh, lentils, or even finely chopped mushrooms as alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the sauce and flatbreads separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Kayseri Yağlaması is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the warm, pillowy flatbreads to the flavorful tofu sauce and creamy yogurt topping, every layer contributes to a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re a fan of Turkish cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try.
Give this Turkish Lasagna a go and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on social media.
Pin this recipe for later or share it with a friend who loves plant-based cooking. Happy cooking!
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Vegan Kayseri Yağlaması (Turkish Lasagna)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Dry skillet
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
Flatbreads:
- 5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 pack Instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Lukewarm oat or soy milk
- ⅔ cup Lukewarm water adjust as needed
Sauce with Tofu Crumbles:
- 16 oz Tofu crumbles
- 1 Large Onion finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1-2 Mild green peppers finely chopped
- 1 Red pepper finely chopped
- 1 heaping tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 heaping tablespoon Mild red pepper paste or extra tomato paste
- 1 cup Tomato purée
- 2-3 cups Hot water added gradually
- 1-1.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika
- 2-3 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Flatbreads:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add Liquids: Stir in lukewarm milk and half the water. Mix, adding more water as needed to form a soft dough.
- Knead Dough: Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Rise: Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Divide Dough: Punch down and divide into 12–15 pieces.
- Roll Flat: Roll each piece into thin rounds (20–25 cm in diameter).
- Cook Flatbreads: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and cook each flatbread until lightly speckled but still soft. Keep warm under a clean towel.
Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and peppers.
- Add Pastes and Spices: Stir in tomato and red pepper pastes, cooking briefly to deepen flavor.
- Incorporate Tofu: Add tofu crumbles and sauté for a few minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in tomato purée, then gradually add hot water. Simmer for 20–30 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Garlic Yogurt:
- Mix Ingredients: Stir yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Adjust garlic amount to taste.
Assembly:
- Layer: Place a flatbread on a serving platter and spread a thin layer of sauce over it. Repeat with 8–10 flatbreads.
- Slice: Cut the stack into wedges.
- Top: Serve with garlic yogurt topping and optional parsley garnish.