Lahmacun Recipe: Crispy Turkish Meat Flatbread

Lahmacun is a quick and tasty Turkish dish that is the best option when you don’t have much time to cook. This Turkish pizza has a taste and texture that is different from regular pizza. The combination of very thin dough, minced meat with vegetables and spices, and serving it with lemon, raw onion, and parsley creates a delicious experience. In this article on the Yummcook website, we will fully introduce Lahmacun, its history, ingredients, preparation method, golden tips, benefits, and disadvantages, and finally, how to serve it.

This dish is very similar to Ishleki, the recipe for which we have provided for you on this site.

What is Lahmacun?

The word Lahmacun means “meat on dough,” which is derived from Arabic words. This traditional dish is related to Turkey, as well as the Levant and Lebanon regions. It is a very thin dough on which a mixture of minced meat, onion, tomato, pepper, parsley, and spices is placed and baked in the oven or tandoor. Unlike pizza, it usually does not have cheese, and the dough is thinner.

This dish is served both in Turkish streets and in fast food and in restaurants. Some consider it a fast food, but it can be easily prepared at home with simple ingredients.

In Turkey, this dish has been especially popular in the southeastern provinces such as Gaziantep and Urfa, and has made its way to Istanbul and other parts of Turkey since the 1950s.

Ingredients for making Lahmacun: Turkish pizza

To make a batch of homemade Lahmacun, prepare the following ingredients (for about 6-8):

Dough ingredients:

Topping ingredients:

This topping mixture, after mixing, is spread very thinly on the dough and then baked in the oven or tandoor.

Step-by-step instructions for Lahmacun

Step 1: Prepare the dough

First, mix the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Then add the lukewarm water and olive oil and knead the dough by hand or with a mixer until it forms a soft dough. Place the dough in a covered bowl for about 1 hour to increase its volume slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the topping

While the dough is resting, prepare the topping ingredients: combine the ground meat, onion, tomato, garlic, pastes, parsley, and spices in a bowl and mix well to form a smooth dough.

Step 3: Flatten the dough

De-air the risen dough and divide it into equal pieces (e.g., 6 pieces). Roll out each piece very thinly on a floured surface until it is approximately a few millimeters thick.

Step 4: Spread the topping and bake

Spread a thin, even layer of the meat and vegetable mixture on each sheet of dough. Then place the sheets in a very hot oven (about 250 degrees Celsius) or on a hot baking sheet until the bottom and top dough are completely cooked and translucent, and the edges are slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, serve the Turkish pizza with a squeeze of fresh lemon, chopped raw onion, and parsley. The dough is usually accompanied by vegetables such as parsley, tomatoes, or red cabbage and traditional drinks.

Lahmacun: Turkish Meat Flatbread

Lahmacun, also known as Turkish pizza, is a thin flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and spices. It’s light, crispy, and packed with taste a perfect choice for quick dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 pieces

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Turkish

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• For the Dough:
• 500 g strong white flour
• 3 g dry yeast or 12 g fresh yeast
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• For the Topping:
• 350-400 g minced lamb or beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp red pepper paste or chili paste
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1 sweet green pepper optional
• Salt black pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes to taste

Method

 

1. Prepare the dough:
2. Mix flour, salt, yeast, sugar, water, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest covered for about 1 hour until slightly risen.
3. Prepare the topping:
4. Mix minced meat, onion, tomato, garlic, pastes, parsley, and spices in a bowl until combined but not overmixed.
5. Shape the dough:
6. Divide dough into 6 equal parts and roll each piece into a thin round (a few millimeters thick).
7. Add the topping:
8. Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture evenly over each dough sheet.
9. Bake:
10. Place in a preheated oven (250 C/ 480 F) for 6-8 minutes, until the edges are golden and crisp.
11. Serve:
12. Squeeze lemon juice on top, add fresh parsley, onions, or tomatoes, and roll it up to enjoy warm.

Golden tips for perfect preparation

• Roll out the dough as thinly as possible; the thinner the dough, the crispier and more professional the result will be.
• When preparing the topping, do not knead the minced meat too much so that the texture does not become loose.
• If you don’t have a stone oven or a toaster oven, place a hot metal sheet in the oven or use the “hot baking sheet” method to get a similar result to a stone oven.
• Serve as soon as possible after baking; thin dough quickly becomes soggy and loses its crispiness.
• Spread the topping thinly but completely; if too much, the dough may remain raw underneath.
• Adjust the spices to your taste; some versions are spicier.
• Don’t forget the fresh lemon to serve; the lemon zest creates a nice balance with the flavor of the meat and spices.

Nutritional benefits of Lahmacun

• Good protein: The minced meat in the topping is a good source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues.
• Fresh vegetables and spices: Parsley, onions, and tomatoes contain vitamins and fiber, which help with digestion and a healthy digestive system.
• Thinner dough than pizza: Since the dough is thin, it is usually lower in carbs and fat than regular pizza, making it a relatively lighter option for a quick meal.
• Popular street food: As a fast food, it can be served immediately, making it a good choice for those who don’t have much time to cook.

Disadvantages of Lahmacun for the body

• If you use a lot of toppings or fatty meat, the overall calorie count of the dish may increase.
• Thin dough loses its crispiness quickly if not served immediately.
• The spices and meat may not be suitable for some people with digestive issues or meat allergies.
• The carbs in the dough may be high for those on a low-carb diet.
• Street versions may be cooked in a lot of oil, which can be detrimental to your health.

How to serve?

After cooking, serve Lahmacun immediately:

• Place the dough on the table and top with fresh herbs (parsley, chopped tomatoes, onions).
• Sprinkle with a little lemon juice or place lemon slices on the side. Leave it.
• Roll up the dough and eat it like a sandwich or roll.
• This dish is usually served with a light drink such as ayran or şalgum.
• For a more complete experience, you can also add garlic sauce or low-fat yogurt on the side.

Why try Lahmacun?

For the following reasons, Lahmacun is one of the outstanding Turkish dishes worth trying:

• Unique taste: The combination of spices, meat, and vegetables on the dough is incredibly interesting.
• Fast and street-style structure: It has a relatively quick preparation and is a good choice for a quick meal or a party.
• Cultural and memorable: By consuming Lahmacun, you experience a part of the Turkish and Middle Eastern food culture.
• Easy customization: You can adjust the level of spiciness, meat, vegetables, and spices to your liking.

Conclusion:

Lahmacun is not just a meat-filled flatbread; It’s a complete food experience, from the thin dough to the warm spices and fresh vegetables. At Yummcook, we’ve taught you how to make this delicious Turkish street food at home, from preparing the dough to serving it with lemon and parsley. If you’re looking for a comforting, tasty, and cultural meal, Turkish pizza is a great option that’s perfect for a family dinner or a get-together with friends. So get to work, prepare the ingredients, and cook your own Lahmacun today, and you’re sure to have a memorable taste!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lahmacun

1- What is Lahmacun made of?

Lahmacun is made from thin dough topped with minced meat, tomatoes, onions, peppers, parsley, and spices, then baked in a hot oven.

2- Is Lahmacun the same as pizza?

No, Lahmacun has a much thinner crust and does not contain cheese. It’s lighter and has a unique spicy flavor compared to traditional pizza.

3- Can I make Lahmacun without an oven?

Yes! You can cook Lahmacun on a hot pan or griddle for a few minutes until the dough is golden and the topping is cooked.

4- Is Lahmacun healthy?

Lahmacun can be a balanced meal if made with lean meat and plenty of vegetables, but avoid excess oil or fatty cuts.

5- What do you serve with Lahmacun?

It’s typically served with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and raw onions, and enjoyed with ayran (yogurt drink).