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Lahmacun

Traditional Turkish flatbread topped with a flavorful minced meat mixture, baked until golden and served with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

🍳
1h 30m
Prep
7m
Cook

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water, warm
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons powdered milk
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil
  • 5 cups flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for proofing
  • 500 g meat, cubed (with some fat)
  • 1 count red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 count yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 count green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 count red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup parsley
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 0.25 cup pomegranate molasses
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 handful fresh parsley
  • 4 count cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 drizzle pomegranate molasses
  • 1 count lemon, halved

Method

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, powdered milk, and yeast.

  2. 2

    Add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil and whisk the ingredients together.

  3. 3

    Sift in the flour and add the salt.

  4. 4

    Mix with your hands until a rough dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface.

  5. 5

    Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

  6. 6

    Place the dough back into the bowl, pour 2 tablespoons of oil over it, and turn to coat.

  7. 7

    Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

  8. 8

    While the dough is rising, place the cubed meat, chopped bell peppers, onion, and parsley into a food processor.

  9. 9

    Pulse until the ingredients are finely minced and well combined.

  10. 10

    Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl.

  11. 11

    Add the tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.

  12. 12

    Mix thoroughly with a spatula until everything is evenly incorporated. Set aside.

  13. 13

    Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air.

  14. 14

    Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into smooth, oval balls.

  15. 15

    Place the dough balls on a towel-lined surface, cover with another towel, and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.

  16. 16

    Lightly flour a clean work surface. Take a dough ball and, using a rolling pin, roll it out into a thin, long oval shape.

  17. 17

    For the lahmacun, take a portion of the meat mixture and spread it evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

  18. 18

    Preheat your oven to its highest setting (the video shows 300°C).

  19. 19

    Carefully place the assembled flatbreads onto a hot baking sheet or pizza stone.

  20. 20

    Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are cooked through.

  21. 21

    Remove the flatbreads from the oven. To keep them soft, stack them on top of each other.

  22. 22

    To serve the lahmacun, garnish with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes, drizzle with pomegranate molasses, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Fold in half to eat.

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