Discover the ultimate Lahmacun recipe – a savory Turkish flatbread featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with a flavorful mix of spiced ground meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Learn how to make this traditional favorite at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Ideal for a quick meal or a delicious appetizer!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

- 3/4 cup warm water

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping:

- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

- 1 tomato, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

  - Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Topping:

  - In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, bell pepper, tomato, parsley, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. Mix well until evenly combined.

Assemble the Lahmacun:

  - Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion out on a floured surface into thin, round flatbreads about 1/8 inch thick.

  - Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture evenly over each flatbread, pressing it down lightly.

  - Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the topping is cooked through.

Serve:

  - Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy your homemade Lahmacun!

Feel free to adjust the spices and toppings according to your taste preferences!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a detailed overview of the nutritional values and benefits of the ingredients used in Lahmacun, with nutritional information merged with their health benefits:

Flour (1 cup = 120g):

- Calories: 455

- Carbohydrates: 95g

- Protein: 13g

- Fat: 1g

- Fiber: 3g

Benefits: Flour provides energy through its carbohydrate content and contributes essential vitamins and minerals necessary for various bodily functions.

Sugar (1 teaspoon = 4g):

- Calories: 16

- Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits: Sugar offers quick energy but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain and health issues.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon = 14g):

- Calories: 120

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 14g (of which 2g is saturated)

- Vitamin E: 1.9 mg (10% DV)

Benefits: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health. Its antioxidant properties, including vitamin E, help protect cells from damage.

Active Dry Yeast (1 tablespoon = 9g):

- Calories: 30

- Carbohydrates: 3g

- Protein: 3g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits: Active dry yeast provides B vitamins and supports the fermentation process necessary for dough leavening, contributing to its rise and texture.

Ground Beef (1/2 pound = 227g):

- Calories: 576

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 45g

- Fat: 43g (of which 17g is saturated)

- Iron: 4.4 mg (24% DV)

Benefits: Ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, and zinc, which support muscle growth, repair, and overall bodily functions.

Onion (1 small = 70g):

- Calories: 28

- Carbohydrates: 6g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Vitamin C: 8 mg (13% DV)

Benefits: Onions contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Bell Pepper (1 medium = 120g):

- Calories: 30

- Carbohydrates: 7g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Vitamin C: 150 mg (167% DV)

Benefits: Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function, skin health, and contain antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids.

Tomato (1 medium = 123g):

- Calories: 22

- Carbohydrates: 5g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Vitamin C: 14 mg (23% DV)

Benefits: Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and lycopene, which support heart health, protect against cellular damage, and promote overall well-being.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup = 15g):

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Vitamin K: 62 mcg (52% DV)

- Vitamin C: 10 mg (17% DV)

Benefits: Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support digestion, bone health, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (2 cloves = 6g):

- Calories: 9

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Vitamin C: 1 mg (1% DV)

Benefits: Garlic contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon = 16g):

- Calories: 13

- Carbohydrates: 3g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Vitamin A: 549 IU (11% DV)

Benefits: Tomato paste is a concentrated source of lycopene, which benefits heart health and may reduce cancer risk.

Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Cinnamon):

- Spices contribute negligible calories but offer numerous health benefits:

 - Cumin supports digestion and has antioxidant properties.

 - Paprika is rich in vitamin A and antioxidants that promote eye health and overall wellness.

 - Cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help manage blood sugar levels and support heart health.

By integrating these ingredients into Lahmacun, you enjoy a dish that is not only flavorful but also provides various nutritional benefits to support overall health and well-being.