Lahmacun Turkish Lamb Flatbread (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 240 ml warm water (40-46°C)
02 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 - 320 g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
05 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing

→ Topping

07 - 450 g ground lamb or beef (or a combination)
08 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
09 - 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
10 - 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
11 - 60 g tomato paste
12 - 15 g fresh parsley, finely chopped
13 - 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
14 - 1 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
16 - 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
17 - 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

→ To Serve (Optional)

19 - Lemon wedges
20 - Fresh parsley or mint leaves

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to rest for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the dry mixture to the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
03 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm location for 60-120 minutes, or until doubled in size.
05 - In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, green bell pepper, tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, red pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
06 - Punch down the risen dough to remove excess air and divide it into 6-8 equal portions.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle approximately 20-25 cm in diameter.
08 - Spread a thin, even layer of the meat mixture over each dough circle, leaving a slight border free at the edge.
09 - Preheat the oven to 230°C and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10 - Transfer the assembled lahmacuns to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the meat is cooked through.
11 - Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if preferred.

# Notes:

01 - For a crispier base, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven. Thinly rolling the dough is essential for traditional texture.