Lahmacun, spicy Turkish flatbreads

Lahmacun – Spicy Turkish Flatbreads

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Lahmacun, a Turkish delicacy, is a delicious and spicy variation of pizza, perfect for a quick dinner or a savory snack. With a soft dough and a flavorful filling, this dish will bring a touch of the Orient to your kitchen. Here’s how to prepare Lahmacun step by step!

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour
- 7 g dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 300 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredients for the filling:
- 300 g minced beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparation:

1. Making the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. In another container, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and add the olive oil. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If using a bread machine, set it to the dough program and let it work.

2. Letting it rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

3. Preparing the filling: In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until browned. Incorporate the tomatoes, bell pepper, tomato paste, chili pepper, cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

4. Forming the Lahmacun: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball of dough into a thin circle. Spread the filling evenly over each circle, leaving a free edge.

5. Baking: Place the Lahmacuns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Serving: Serve the Lahmacun warm, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley. You can add freshly squeezed lemon for an even fresher taste. It’s delicious accompanied by a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or a portion of Greek yogurt.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even fluffier dough, you can let the dough rise twice, kneading it gently between the two rises.
- You can vary the filling by adding vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, add a few drops of chili sauce or tahini sauce to the filling.

Enjoy this simple and quick Lahmacun recipe and let your taste buds explore Turkish flavors! This spicy Turkish flatbread is perfect for enjoying with family and friends.

 Ingredients: DOUGH INGREDIENTS: 450 g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 7 g dry yeast or 20 g fresh yeast, 280 g lukewarm water, 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil. FILLING: 500 g minced beef/lamb, 2 small onions, 3 peeled and chopped tomatoes, 1 small green or red hot pepper, 1 large tablespoon of parsley or coriander, salt, pepper, olive oil for brushing.