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Cheesy Turkish Pide with Spiced Beef Recipe

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4.7 from 107 reviews

Cheesy Turkish Pide with Spiced Beef is a delicious and savory Turkish flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and aromatic spices, all melted under a generous layer of cheese. Crispy, golden crusts hold a rich filling, making a perfect appetizer or main dish that showcases traditional Turkish flavors with an easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef (or lamb)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or pulsed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Dough and Assembly

  • 2 (8 oz) pizza dough balls, room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Turkish cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
  • Parsley, for garnish
  • Chili flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pides.
  2. Sauté Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, tomato, and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste and all the spices (cumin, paprika, kosher salt, cinnamon, black pepper) and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
  3. Shape Dough: Roll each pizza dough ball into an oval shape about 12 inches by 6 inches on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the shaped dough to the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Assemble Pides: Spoon half of the spiced beef filling in a line down the center of each dough oval. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or Turkish cheese evenly over the filling. Fold the edges of the dough over slightly and pinch the ends to create a boat-like shape, which helps keep the filling contained during baking.
  5. Brush and Bake: Brush the exposed dough crust with the beaten egg to give it a shiny golden color when baked. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pide from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and chili flakes to taste. Slice into portions and serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute lamb for beef for a more traditional taste.
  • Using Turkish white cheese or feta instead of mozzarella adds authentic flavor.
  • Make sure the filling is not too wet to avoid soggy dough.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
  • Chili flakes can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
  • Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping to make it easier to work with.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/cheesy-turkish-pide-with-spiced-beef-recipe/