Pide (Turkey)

Cooking Time: 75 minutes

Pide (pronounced pee-deh) is a traditional Turkish flatbread that dates back centuries. It’s considered a staple of Turkish cuisine and is widely available in bakeries and restaurants throughout Turkey. The dish is known for its boat-like shape and versatile toppings, making it similar to a pizza but with a unique Turkish twist. Pide can be topped with almost anything, from spiced minced meat to vegetarian combinations like cheese and spinach. It's customizable to suit any palate.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Dough

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 250ml (1 cup) warm water

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

  
  

For the Meat Filling (Optional)

• 300g (10 oz) ground lamb or beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 medium tomato, finely diced

• 1 green pepper, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

  
  

Other Topping Ideas

• Cheese and spinach: Mix grated cheese (mozzarella or feta) with sautéed spinach.

• Plain cheese: Use shredded mozzarella, Turkish beyaz peynir, or feta.

  
  

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley

• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

• Gradually add the warm water and olive oil while kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms (8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer).

• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

  
  

Prepare the Filling

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.

• Add the ground meat and cook until browned.

• Stir in the tomato, green pepper, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is thickened. Set aside to cool.

  
  

Shape the Pide

• Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) or the highest temperature your oven allows. Place a baking tray or pizza stone in the oven to heat.

• Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval or boat shape, about 30cm (12 inches) long and 15cm (6 inches) wide.

• Place the dough on parchment paper or a floured baking tray.

  
  

Assemble the Pide

• Spread your chosen filling (meat, cheese, or spinach) evenly in the center of each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges.

• Fold the edges inward to create a "boat" shape, pinching the ends to seal.

• Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden crust.

  
  

Bake

• Transfer the pide to the hot baking tray or pizza stone. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.

  
  

Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright flavor. Enjoy warm!