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Lahmacun – Thin Turkish Pizza

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4.3 from 36 reviews

Lahmacun, often referred to as Turkish thin pizza, is a savory flatbread topped with a finely spiced mixture of minced beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Baked to crispy perfection in a very hot oven, this traditional dish offers a delightful combination of crunchy dough and flavorful, aromatic topping. Served with parsley and a squeeze of lemon, lahmacun is a delicious and popular street food in Turkey.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • Thin pizza dough, enough for 4 pieces (about 250g)

Topping

  • 250g minced beef (preferably lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 ripe tomato, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon pepper paste (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

To Serve

  • Fresh parsley leaves
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine minced beef, finely chopped onion, tomato, garlic, and parsley. Stir in pepper paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients form a smooth, fine paste to ensure an even spread and balanced flavors.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough paper-thin, approximately 1-2 mm thickness, to achieve the signature crispness of lahmacun once baked.
  3. Spread the Topping: Evenly spread a thin layer of the prepared topping mixture over each flattened dough piece, ensuring full coverage without overloading to keep the dough crisp.
  4. Bake the Lahmacun: Preheat the oven to the highest possible temperature, ideally 250°C (482°F) or more. Place the topped dough on a baking tray or pizza stone, and bake for 6-10 minutes or until the edges turn crisp and slightly golden.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately serve with fresh parsley leaves and lemon wedges. Squeeze lemon juice over the lahmacun for added brightness. Serve while warm for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the dough is rolled extremely thin to maintain the authentic crisp texture; thick dough will result in a softer, less desirable base.
  • Using a very hot oven is crucial to quickly crisp the dough without drying out the topping.
  • For added flavor, finely chopping ingredients rather than pureeing maintains the preferred texture in the topping.
  • Adjust pepper paste quantity based on your heat preference.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the best eating experience.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/lahmacun-thin-turkish-pizza/