How to Make Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza) at Home

Lahmacun, often referred to as "Turkish pizza," is a delicious and thin flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. This traditional Turkish dish is popular across Turkey and the Middle East, and it has gained international recognition due to its rich taste and crispy texture. If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade lahmacun, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Key Ingredients for Lahmacun

To make authentic Turkish lahmacun at home, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping:

• 250g (1/2 lb) ground lamb or beef (or a mix of both)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 medium tomato, finely diced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture.

4. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

1. In a food processor, blend the onion, tomato, red and green bell peppers until finely chopped.

2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the ground meat, tomato paste, red pepper paste, and all the spices.

3. Mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly combined.

4. Stir in the chopped parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice for extra freshness.

Step 3: Shape and Assemble the Lahmacun

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest setting your oven allows.

2. Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a tennis ball) and roll them out into thin circles, about 10 inches in diameter.

3. Place the rolled-out dough on a lightly floured baking sheet or pizza stone.

4. Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared topping mixture over each piece of dough.

Step 4: Bake the Lahmacun

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 7–10 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the topping is fully cooked.

2. If using a pizza stone, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Lahmacun

Lahmacun is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Traditionally, it is served with:

• Fresh lemon wedges (squeeze over the top before eating)

• Chopped parsley

• Thinly sliced onions mixed with sumac

• Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers

• Rolled up with fresh greens for a wrap-style meal

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Lahmacun

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat will enhance the flavor of your lahmacun.

• Roll the dough thin: The key to crispy lahmacun is rolling out the dough as thinly as possible.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a spicier taste, add more red pepper flakes or chili powder.

• Use a pizza stone: A pizza stone will help create an evenly crispy crust.

• Experiment with toppings: While traditional lahmacun follows a standard recipe, feel free to experiment with additional toppings like garlic or extra herbs.

Where to Buy Turkish Ingredients in the U.S.

If you’re looking for authentic Turkish ingredients such as red pepper paste, sumac, or Turkish-style flour, online stores like Tulumba.com offer a great selection of Turkish grocery items.

Final Thoughts

Making lahmacun at home is a rewarding experience that brings the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine into your kitchen. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can enjoy this classic dish just as it’s made in Turkey. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging in a personal treat, homemade lahmacun is sure to impress!