Why Make This Recipe
Turkish Lahmacun is a delicious and simple dish that brings the flavors of Turkey right to your kitchen. Known as "Turkish Pizza," Lahmacun is packed with a savory meat topping and is easily customizable to your taste. Making Lahmacun at home is not only fun, but it allows you to enjoy this favorite street food in your own way. Plus, it’s great for sharing with family and friends.
How to Make Turkish Lahmacun
Ingredients
- 1 package of pita bread or lahmacun dough
- 500g ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
- In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in the bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper paste. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is combined.
- Spread the meat mixture thinly over the pita bread or lahmacun dough.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are crispy.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
How to Serve Turkish Lahmacun
Serve Turkish Lahmacun hot from the oven. You can enjoy it rolled up with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for added zest. It pairs well with a simple salad or yogurt for a refreshing side dish.
How to Store Turkish Lahmacun
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 2-3 days. You can also freeze them. Just make sure to place parchment paper between each piece before wrapping to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Turkish Lahmacun
- Make sure to spread the meat mixture as thinly as possible for a crispier crust.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to the topping for additional flavors.
- For extra crunch, consider baking them a couple of minutes longer.
Variation
You can easily make Lahmacun with different meats, such as chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, use finely chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils instead of meat.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pita bread or Lahmacun dough for convenience.
2. How do I know when Lahmacun is done?
Lahmacun is done when the edges are crispy and the meat topping is cooked through, typically after 10-12 minutes in the oven.
3. Can I customize the topping?
Absolutely! You can add any vegetables or spices you like to the topping mix, making it your own.
Turkish Lahmacun
Ingredients
For the Lahmacun
- 1 package pita bread or lahmacun dough Store-bought for convenience
- 500 g ground lamb or beef Can substitute with chicken or turkey
Toppings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional) Can be omitted
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- as needed Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
- In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in the bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper paste. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is combined.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the meat mixture thinly over the pita bread or lahmacun dough.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are crispy.
Serving
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.