Turkmen Dough Dumplings with Herbs and Cheese
Gopje
A delightful variation of Turkmen dumplings, these 'Gopje' are characterized by a savory filling of fresh herbs and soft cheese, encased in a tender dough. They are typically boiled and served with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative to meat-filled dumplings.

๐ง Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Warm water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 200 g Feta cheese (or similar soft, brined cheese)
- 0.5 cup Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup Green onions, finely chopped
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- to taste Yogurt or sour cream, for serving
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
For the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a firm dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
๐ก Tip: The dough should be firm but pliable. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a touch more water. - 2
For the filling: In a medium bowl, crumble the feta cheese. Add the chopped dill, cilantro, parsley, green onions, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the herbs are finely chopped for an even distribution in the filling. - 3
Divide the dough into small, equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
๐ก Tip: Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out. - 4
Place about 1-2 teaspoons of the herb and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
๐ก Tip: Don't overfill, as it can make sealing the dumplings difficult. - 5
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork or by pleating for a decorative finish.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. - 6
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook in batches if necessary.
๐ก Tip: Leave enough space between dumplings so they don't stick together. - 7
Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings float to the surface and the dough is cooked through. They should be tender and slightly translucent.
๐ก Tip: A good test is to remove one dumpling and cut it open to check for doneness. - 8
Remove the cooked dumplings with a slotted spoon and drain well. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of yogurt or sour cream.
๐ก Tip: These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be gently reheated.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of finely grated hard cheese like Parmesan to the filling.
- โIf you don't have feta, a combination of ricotta and a pinch of salt can work, though the flavor profile will be milder.
- โThe dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a hint of spice.
- Incorporate finely chopped spinach or other greens into the herb mixture.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese and use a plant-based yogurt for serving.