Turkish Beef Pide is a delicious and savory flatbread dish filled with spiced ground beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Often referred to as “Turkish pizza,” this dish is perfect for a hearty meal and can be customized with various toppings.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup warm water (approximately)

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Timing

Making Turkish Beef Pide takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and warm water. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
3. Season: Stir in the cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pide

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape (about 1/4 inch thick) on a floured surface.
3. Fill the Dough: Place the beef filling along the center of each oval. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal and create a boat shape.

Step 4: Bake

1. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the filled pide on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your Turkish beef pide with yogurt or a fresh salad!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Turkish Beef Pide (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the filling before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Vegetable Variations: Include other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Turkish Beef Pide is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Turkey to your kitchen. With its spiced beef filling and soft, warm dough, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy this delightful recipe!