Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza)

lahmacun_(turkish_pizza)

Lahmacun, also known as Turkish Pizza, is a beloved dish from the Mediterranean cuisine. Its origin can be traced back to Anatolia, the heartland of Turkey, where it was initially eaten as a street food, but it has now become a popular dish all around the world. It is typically served with a plethora of toppings and a side salad.

Lahmacun is a thin round bread that is topped with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and spices. The name ‘lahmacun’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘lahm’ which means meat and ‘ajin’ which means dough. Lahmacun is made with a variety of ingredients, including ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, onions, red peppers, parsley, cumin, and cinnamon. The dough, which is made of flour, salt, and water, is rolled out extremely thinly to create the perfect crispy texture.

The topping for the Lahmacun is made by mixing fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and minced lamb which has been fried in olive oil. The mixture is then seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, and salt to give it that distinct, aromatic Turkish flavor. The dough is then spread with this delicious, meaty mixture before being cooked in a blazing hot oven for just a few minutes.

Traditionally, Lahmacun is served with a variety of toppings, including lettuce, parsley, onions, and tomatoes. It is then drizzled with a mixture of freshly squeezed lemon juice and pomegranate molasses. Pomegranate molasses is an essential ingredient in Lahmacun, as it gives the dish its distinct sweet and sour flavor, balancing out the savory taste of the meat.

Lahmacun is a versatile dish and can be enjoyed in many different ways. For instance, some people like to roll it up with a few salad leaves and consume it like a wrap. Others prefer to eat it with some fresh lemon wedges or as a side dish to a main course.

Lahmacun can be found in nearly every Turkish restaurant around the world, but it is also straightforward and easy to make at home. Making Lahmacun is a great way to bring a little bit of the Mediterranean into your kitchen.

In conclusion, Lahmacun is a tasty, savory dish that is enjoyed by people from all around the world. It is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine and is a perfect choice for those who love both meaty and spicy foods. Once you try it, you will understand why it is such a popular dish. So why not give it a try, and enjoy bringing a little bit of the exotic Mediterranean flavor into your kitchen?

Ingredients:

For the dough

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water

For the topping

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp red pepper paste
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green peppers, chopped
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

  1. To make the dough, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the warm water and stir until a soft and smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

  3. To make the topping, combine the ground meat, tomato paste, red pepper paste, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

  4. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and roll each one into a thin oval shape. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  5. Spread a generous amount of the topping over each dough piece. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and mint.

  6. Arrange the chopped tomatoes and green peppers on top of the meat mixture.

  7. Bake the lahmacuns for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.

  8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!