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TURKISH PIZZA (LAHMACUN) – HOMEMADE AND QUICK VARIANTS

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TURKISH PIZZA (LAHMACUN) – HOMEMADE AND QUICK VARIANTS

TURKISH PIZZA (LAHMACUN) – HOMEMADE AND QUICK VARIANTS

Don’t be intimidated by this recipe! Turkish pizza, or Lahmacun, is now accessible for everyone. Prepare the dough from scratch if you have time and experience, or use store-bought small Lebanese flatbreads for a quick, delicious dinner. Choose your version and enjoy a fantastic meal!

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min (+ dough rising if homemade)

🍳 Cook Time: 10 min
🍽️ Yields: 5 pizzas (~20 cm diameter each)

Ingredients

Dough:

  • Homemade pizza dough (see recipe) or 5 small Lebanese flatbreads for quick version

Meat Paste Filling:

  • 200 g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 1 canned tomato
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp sweet pepper paste
  • 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 4 large mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 pinches ground cinnamon
  • 15 turns chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2–3 tbsp oil

Instructions

  1. Grate or finely blend onion and bell pepper into a paste. Sauté in hot oil over medium heat for about 7 minutes.
  2. Add sautéed mixture (including oil), blended canned tomato, tomato paste, pepper paste, chopped herbs, and spices to the ground meat. Knead well until smooth and pliable.
    Prepare meat paste a few hours in advance if desired; cover and refrigerate.
  3. Preheat oven to 240°C (465°F) for 30 minutes. Heat a baking tray or pizza stone inside the oven (cast-iron grill pan upside down works well).
  4. Divide dough into 5 equal portions. Shape each into a round bun, then roll into a thin circle on a floured surface.
    For quick version, use flatbreads.
  5. Spread meat paste thinly over each dough round, including edges. Avoid thick layers to ensure meat cooks fully in 10 minutes.
  6. Place prepared pizzas on parchment paper and transfer directly onto the hot tray or stone. Bake at 240°C for 10 minutes.
    For quick version: spread meat paste on flatbreads and bake 7–8 minutes at same temperature.
  7. Serve warm or cold with mint yogurt or yogurt with za’atar and a fresh salad like fattoush. For lamb version, add a squeeze of lemon juice.

💡 Tips

  • Use very thin meat paste layers to ensure even cooking.
  • Sautéing vegetables first deepens flavor.
  • Preheat baking surface well for crispy base.
  • Pair with fresh herbs and tangy yogurt for authentic taste.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Authentic Turkish meals at home
  • Quick and easy weeknight dinners
  • Mediterranean-inspired pizza alternatives
  • Sharing with family and friends

📝 Final Thoughts

Lahmacun is a delicious blend of savory spiced meat and thin, crispy dough. Whether homemade or quick with flatbreads, it’s a satisfying, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.