Pide: Turkish Flatbread Recipe

Turkish pide is a traditional flatbread with a boat-like shape and raised edges. It is topped with spiced ground meat, cheese, or vegetables. Pide is a popular dish in Turkey and is often served hot as a main course or appetizer.

---

Turkish pide is a traditional flatbread popular in Turkey and other parts of the Middle East. It is similar to pizza but has a boat-like shape with raised edges. Pide is typically made from a simple yeast dough rolled out into an oval or rectangular shape and then topped with various ingredients before being baked in a hot oven.

The most common topping for pide is a mixture of spiced ground meat, onions, and peppers. However, many variations are available, including vegetarian options. Pide can also be topped with cheese, sucuk (a spicy Turkish sausage), spinach, or eggs.

Why is this the best recipe

• Variety of Flavors: This recipe offers a wide range of flavors with three different toppings, appealing to different tastes.
• Texture: The crispy crust and melted cheese create a satisfying contrast.
• Ease of Preparation: Despite having multiple toppings, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible to home cooks of all levels.
• Customization: You can easily customize the toppings based on your preferences, making it a versatile dish.

Ingredients and substitutes

• Active dry yeast: Yeast is used to help the dough rise and create a light, airy texture. You can substitute it with instant yeast, using 25% less than the amount of active dry yeast called for in the recipe.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and bulk of the dough. You can substitute it with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps activate it. You can also use honey or maple syrup as substitutes.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and controls the yeast’s fermentation. You can also use sea salt or kosher salt instead of table salt.
• Olive oil: Adds flavor and moisture to the dough. You can substitute it with melted butter or vegetable oil.
• Egg: Used to brush the dough before baking, giving it a shiny, golden crust. You can omit it for a vegan version or use a non-dairy milk wash.
• Toppings:
  • Ground meat: Adds protein and flavor. You can use ground beef, lamb, or chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can also use plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Onion and garlic: Enhance the flavor of the meat. Substitute with onion powder and garlic powder if desired.
  • Spices (cumin, paprika, cinnamon): Add depth and warmth to the meat mixture. Adjust the amounts based on your preference.
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh, earthy flavor and nutrients. You can also use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
  • Sausage: Adds a savory, meaty flavor. Choose your favorite type of sausage or use a vegetarian sausage alternative.
  • Cheese: Provides creaminess and richness. Use any melting cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or feta. You can also use vegan cheese as a substitute.

Step-by-step: Turkish Pide Flatbread

Pide dough

• Combine – In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, sugar/honey, and olive oil. Mix the flour and salt in a stand mixer bowl with the hook attachment. Then, pour in the yeast mixture and combine until it forms a dough.
• Knead – Knead the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes (or knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes) until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Rise – Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the toppings

• Ground meat topping: In a bowl, combine the ground meat, grated garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Add the spices and tomato paste. Combine well.
• Spinach topping: In a pan, sauté the spinach with garlic, olive oil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until wilted.
• Sausage topping: Slice or crumble the precooked sausage.

Assemble

• Preheat your oven to 425°F/220 °C/Gas Mark 7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divide – Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal portions. Then, roll each portion into an oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the dough ovals on the prepared baking sheet.

• Filling: Top the ovals with grated cheese. Next, spread each portion with one of the prepared toppings, leaving a border around the edges. Then, fold the border over the fillings, securing the ends to prevent them from opening. Top with more cheese and brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg.

• Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  Optional: You can crack an egg on the spinach Pide before the final 5 minutes of baking. This makes the perfect breakfast pie.
• Serve – Remove from the oven and crumble with fresh feta cheese if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

• No-Knead flatbread recipe
• Potato Flatbread Recipe
• Soft Flatbread Without Yeast (no-knead)
• Sweet Potato Flatbread
• Indian Flatbread – Chapati, Roti, Paratha

---

Frequently asked questions

---

Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later on Pinterest.
Follow on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok
Subscribe to receive new recipes right to your inbox.