The Turkish pide is a boat-shaped pizza topped with cheese, minced meat, eggs, and vegetables. It has its roots in Turkish cuisine, where it's a beloved street food and traditional dish. The recipe dates back centuries, reflecting Turkey's rich culinary history and cultural influences from various regions. Traditionally baked in stone ovens, pide offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for meals and gatherings.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound pizza dough

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 tomato, thinly sliced

- 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: 2 eggs

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, then add ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Roll out the pizza dough into an oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.

5. Spoon the cooked meat mixture over the cheese.

6. Arrange tomato and bell pepper slices on top of the meat.

7. If desired, crack two eggs onto the pide.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy your Turkish pide!

Nutrition Value:

1. Pizza Dough (1 pound)

  - Calories: Approximately 1600 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 320 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 48 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 4 grams

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically around 2,000-3,000 mg

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on brand, typically negligible

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein, but limited in vitamins and minerals. Whole grain doughs offer more fiber and nutrients.

2. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup)

  - Calories: Approximately 320 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 22 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 25 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 700 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 80 mg

  - Nutritional benefits: High in protein and calcium, but also high in saturated fat and sodium. Provides some vitamin A and B12.

3. Ground Beef or Lamb (1/2 pound)

  - Calories: Approximately 650 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 50 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 50 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 100 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 180 mg

  - Nutritional benefits: High in protein and iron, but also high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Provides B vitamins and zinc.

4. Onion (1 small, finely chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 7 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefits: Low in calories and fat, high in fiber, vitamin C, and other antioxidants.

5. Tomato (1, thinly sliced)

  - Calories: Approximately 20 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 5 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 5 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefits: Low in calories and fat, high in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene.

6. Green Bell Pepper (1/2, thinly sliced)

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefits: Low in calories, rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

7. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 28 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants.

8. Salt and Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Depends on usage, but typically small amounts

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Nutritional benefits: Provides flavor, but excessive sodium intake should be avoided.

9. Eggs (2, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 140 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

  - Protein: Approximately 12 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 9 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 140 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 370 mg

  - Nutritional benefits: High in protein, vitamins (B2, B12, D), and minerals (iron, zinc), but also contain cholesterol.