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Flavorful Turkish Lahmacun Flatbread Recipe with Spiced Lamb

turkish lahmacun flatbread - featured image

A quick and easy Turkish flatbread topped with a fragrant, spiced lamb mixture, perfect for dinner or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
  • 1 cup warm water (240ml)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pound ground lamb (450g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let it rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the topping: Mix ground lamb, chopped onion, garlic, tomato paste, diced red bell pepper, parsley, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Combine thoroughly but don’t overmix.
  6. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
  7. Divide and roll out dough: Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle about 8–10 inches in diameter.
  8. Top the flatbreads: Spread a thin, even layer of the lamb mixture over each dough circle, pressing gently to adhere.
  9. Bake: Transfer each topped flatbread to the hot baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are crisp and lamb is cooked through.
  10. Finish and serve: Remove from oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over each lahmacun. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra parsley or sliced onions.

Notes

Let the dough rise properly for easier rolling and tender crust. Spread the lamb topping thinly to ensure the dough crisps well. Preheat baking sheet or pizza stone for best results. Fresh lemon juice added after baking lifts the flavors. For gluten-free option, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and adjust water as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: lahmacun, Turkish flatbread, spiced lamb, easy dinner, Turkish pizza, flatbread recipe, lamb recipe