There are few things more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked bread filled with a flavorful savory filling. Meat Pide, a Turkish-style flatbread, is one such dish that combines the rustic beauty of handmade dough with a savory, satisfying filling of ground meat, aromatic spices, and melty cheese. It’s a dish that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Turkey, where pide is often enjoyed as a street food or shared among family and friends during special occasions. But with this recipe, you can easily recreate this delightful dish in your own kitchen, bringing a taste of Turkish cuisine straight to your table.
A traditional pide dough is simple and soft, made with water, sugar, yeast, and butter, creating a light and airy base for the filling. The dough is then topped with a mixture of ground meat (beef or lamb), onions, olives, fresh cilantro, and a blend of spices that add complexity and depth of flavor. The addition of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, melts perfectly into the meat filling, binding everything together into one savory masterpiece. The pide is then brushed with an egg wash before baking to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Pide is often compared to pizza, but it has its own unique characteristics. The dough is thinner and softer, and the toppings are often more aromatic, thanks to the inclusion of fresh herbs and spices like paprika, cumin, and cilantro. This recipe is a great introduction to Turkish cuisine, offering a delicious alternative to pizza while still delivering the same comforting appeal. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable – you can adjust the filling to your liking, using different types of cheese, adding vegetables, or even experimenting with different types of meat.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself, Meat Pide is a dish that will never disappoint. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. The warm, pillowy dough, savory meat filling, and melted cheese are a combination that is sure to make Meat Pide a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 160 g water
- 10 g sugar
- 18 g fresh yeast (or 6 g dry yeast)
- 280 g all-purpose flour
- 8 g salt
- 15 g butter
For the Meat Filling:
- 300 g ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 10-15 olives, sliced
- A small bunch of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- Spices to taste (e.g., paprika, cumin, black pepper)
- 50 g cheese (per pide; mozzarella, cheddar, or any melting cheese)
For Brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon milk
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Steps to Make Meat Pide:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine water and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the yeast and allow it to activate for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Meat Filling:
- While the dough is rising, heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Season with salt, paprika, cumin, and black pepper, and stir in the sliced olives and chopped cilantro. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pide:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it out into an oval or boat shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Spoon a generous amount of the meat filling onto the center of each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the filling.
- Carefully fold up the sides of the dough to form a boat shape, pinching the edges together to secure the filling inside.
- Brush and Bake:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush this mixture over the edges of the dough to give the pide a golden, glossy finish.
- If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the pides in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pides from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped cilantro if desired. These pides are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 pides
Explanation of the Recipe:
This Meat Pide recipe brings a unique and flavorful twist to traditional flatbreads. The dough is soft yet holds the filling well, providing the perfect balance between texture and flavor. The combination of ground meat, onions, olives, and fresh cilantro creates a delicious savory filling that is full of Mediterranean influences. The cheese binds everything together, offering a melty, indulgent bite. The egg wash and sesame seeds on top give the pide a beautiful, golden finish.
Pide is a timeless Turkish dish that has gained popularity beyond its homeland. It’s a comforting, customizable food that can be adapted to suit any taste. The recipe is straightforward yet yields impressive results, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned home cooks. The beauty of pide is its versatility — whether you prefer it with ground meat, vegetables, or a combination of both, the dough and flavors can be easily modified to your liking.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
FAQ:
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a meatless version.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.
3. Can I freeze the pides?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pides. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips:
- Be sure to let the dough rise properly for a fluffy and soft texture. You can speed up the process by placing the dough in a warm area.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different spices such as cinnamon, allspice, or sumac in the meat filling.
- If you like a crispier crust, bake the pide directly on the oven rack for the final few minutes.
Storage Tips:
Leftover pides can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
Conclusion:
Meat Pide is an exceptional dish that’s not only delicious but also full of history and cultural significance. The tender dough, savory meat filling, and melted cheese combine to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main dish for dinner or enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, these pides are sure to impress. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility — it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit your preferences. So, next time you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, give this Turkish Meat Pide a try. It’s bound to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire