Turkish Pide Pizza

In this special feature, we are excited to introduce you to the delightful world of Turkish pide, a versatile and beloved dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

What is Turkish Pide?

Turkish pide is a popular dish that resembles a boat-shaped flatbread. It’s similar to pizza, made with a yeast-leavened dough that’s stretched or rolled into an oval shape and typically filled with a variety of toppings. Common fillings include minced meat (such as beef or lamb), cheeses (like feta or mozzarella), vegetables (like spinach or bell peppers), and sometimes eggs, which are cracked on top before baking. The dough edges are usually folded over the filling, creating a distinctive border that helps hold everything in place. Pide is enjoyed across Turkey and is especially popular during Ramadan, though it’s a beloved treat at any time of the year.

Our step-by-step video tutorial is designed to guide you through creating three delicious variations of this classic Turkish flatbread AKA Turkish Pizza.

This tutorial will equip you with all the techniques needed to perfect your pide-making skills. Our expert chef will demonstrate how to prepare the perfect dough, share tips for achieving that signature boat shape, and guide you through each topping:

1. Mince Beef: Rich and hearty, this topping is a crowd-pleaser, seasoned to perfection with traditional spices.
2. Cheese and Spinach: A lighter but equally tasty option that combines creamy cheese with the fresh, earthy flavours of spinach.
3. Spicy Sausage: For those who like a little heat, this version kicks up the flavour with spicy sausage.

By the end of our video tutorial, you’ll not only master these recipes but also understand how to customise your own pide with toppings of your choice. So, preheat your oven and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises to add a touch of Turkish delight to your cooking repertoire!

How to Make Turkish Pide?

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 egg + 2 egg yolks

For the Minced Beef Topping:

• 400g ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• Tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt
• Parsley, chopped

For the Cheese and Spinach Topping:

• 1 cup cooked spinach
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Cream Cheese or Feta
• Salt
• Mozzarella, grated

For the Spicy Sausage Topping:

• Spicy sausage, sliced
• Mozzarella, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a bowl, combine milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir until combined.
2. In another larger bowl, add flour and salt together.
3. Put both bowls together in a blender, and add the oil and egg. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Toppings:

• Minced Beef: In a skillet, cook the onion and until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add paprika, cumin, and salt. Cook for a minute then add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and parsley. Set aside.
• Cheese and Spinach: Put the spinach in a bowl, add the feta and combine. Season with salt, pepper, and add mozzarella cheese.
• Spicy Sausage: Slice sausage, and grate mozzarella

3. Shape and Top the Pide:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 6 parts.
2. On a floured surface, roll each piece into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Transfer each to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the toppings over each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the edges over the toppings slightly to create a boat shape and brush the top of the pastry with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Let the pides rest for an additional 15 minutes.

4. Bake the Pide:

1. Place the pides in a very hot oven for 4 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Garnish the minced beef pide with chopped parsley.

5. Serve:

1. Allow the pides to cool slightly before cutting into slices.
2. Serve warm.