Lahmacun, also known as Turkish pizza, is a traditional dish that has been around for centuries. The word lahmacun comes from the Arabic words “lahm” (meaning meat) and “aqun” (meaning dough). It is a thin, crispy dough topped with a mixture of minced meat, onion, garlic, chili, herbs and spices.
The story of lahmacun dates back to the Ottoman era, when the dish was created by a baker who wanted to give his loyal customers something special. He decided to create a thin and crispy dough topped with a mixture of minced meat and spices, which was then cooked in a hot oven. This combination was so popular that it quickly spread throughout the Ottoman Empire and eventually became a staple in Turkish cuisine.
Lahmacun can be served as-is or with a variety of toppings such as fresh vegetables, cheese, or yogurt and is often eaten as a street food, but can also be made at home.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth, then cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, sumac, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and parsley.
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin round. Place the round on a baking sheet.
5. Spread the meat mixture on top of the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.
7. Slice the lahmacun into wedges and serve. Enjoy!
