Description
Lahmacun is a thin, crispy Turkish flatbread topped with a savory, spiced ground meat mixture, perfect as a snack or light meal served with fresh lemon and herbs.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105–115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
- Topping:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef (or mixture)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, finely chopped
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional for Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or mint
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk flour and salt in another bowl. Add to yeast mixture with olive oil; mix until shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto floured surface; knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Mix ground meat, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, red pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper for topping.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Punch down dough; divide into 6–8 portions. Roll each into 8–10 inch thin circles on floured surface.
- Spread thin layer of meat mixture evenly over dough circles, leaving small border.
- Bake 10–15 minutes until crust is golden and meat cooked through.
- Cool slightly; serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice; try cayenne or Aleppo pepper.
Add chopped red bell pepper or zucchini to topping.
Prepare dough and topping ahead; refrigerate separately and assemble later.
Grill lahmacun 3–5 minutes per side as alternative to baking.
Use ground chicken or turkey for lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
