View Full Version : Lahmacun - Turkish Pizza
The delightful Will introduced us to the Turkish dish Lahmacun when we went to Cyrpus with him last year. We were in the Northern Dictatorship of Illegal Communist Brave Turkish Army Cyprus and absolutely starving, traipsing around after Will whilst he searched in vain for a restaurant that his father had recommended, when we happened upon a little street cafe and decided that our feet could take us no further until we had fed.
Will showed off his Turkish and ordered... things. When things arrived, they were a big stack of little flatbread type affairs with a spicey lamby mixture smeared on top. They were utterly DIVINE and vanished within a matter of minutes. Leon described them as Turkish pizzas, which is pretty much what they are really.
Anyway, we'd been scouring the internet for lahmacun recipes, when I noticed that none other than my beloved Nigella Lawson has a recipe for them in her Domestic Goddess book. I had all the ingredients except for the lamb, so I went and bought some and gave it a go tonight. The results? Abso-ruddy-lutely delicious. It felt like we were back in Communist Turkish Cyprus again, only without the awful company :p
Lahmacun
Serves 2 greedy pigfaces for tea, or 4 for lunch
For the dough:
150g bread flour
100g plain flour
1 tsp easy blend yeast
1/2 tsp salt
125ml warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
For the topping:
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 fat garlic clove, finely grated
2 tbsp olive oil
250g either minced lamb or lamb pieces very finely chopped in a food processor
pinch of cayenne
pinch of ground allspice (I didn't have any, so I used a smidge each of nutmeg, ground clove & cinnamon)
1/2 tsp cumin
2 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
4 tbsp melted butter
2 oiled baking sheets
1. Start by making the dough. Combine the flours, yeast and salt, add the oil and water and mix to form a dough. Kneed for 5-10 mins until you have a smooth elastic dough. Put the dough in an oiled bowl, turn it over to coat and cover in clingfilm. Let it rise in a warm place for around an hour until it's doubled in size.
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun01.jpg
2. Next, get on with the filling. Heat the oil in a frying pan and soften the onion and garlic on a low heat without browning them (a pinch of salt will help this). Add the lamb, cayenne, allspite, cumin and tomato purée then stir to break up the lamb and cook for around 10 mins until the lamb is no longer pink. Turn off the heat and stir in the parsley and lemon juice. Season if desired.
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun02.jpg
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun03.jpg
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun04.jpg
3. Once the dough has risen, knock the air out of it and divide into 8 egg-sized balls. Roll the balls out into circles approx 12-15cm in diameter and place onto the oiled baking trays. Let them rest for 10 minutes with tea towels draped over them.
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun05.jpg
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun06.jpg
4. Dollop approx 1 tbsp of the filling onto each circle of dough and spread to cover the centre well. Paint each little pizza with melted butter, especially around the edges, then place in the oven to cook for approx 10 mins until golden and bubbling.
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun07.jpg
5. When they come out of the oven, cover with a cloth and let them rest for 5 mins. This will get the cloth dirty, but it stops them from getting a hard crust - they should be soft enough to bend them in two or roll up to eat.
6. Chuck on a plate with some salad and devour.
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun08.jpg
Mmmm, just looking at this picture makes me want to cook them again!! :D
http://www.lostkat.co.uk/lahmacun09.jpg
Nom!!
You will have to make them for me sometime but please don't follow the same pricing scheme that the bloke at the restaurant did :)
I actually made some a couple of months back but they didn't turn out all that good because I'm crap at making bread type stuff. I think my hands are the black death to yeast.
Yay! :D
Now all you need is a wood oven! ;)
I still to this day do not know how they make their make their bread so good - though I'd have rolled it a little thinner personally.... but that's just me :)
Where's the fresh parsley in huge sprigs to put in the middle?! :p
That looks absolutely bloody fantastic - I'm so glad that you've taken some of these dishes away with you from the holiday. It's so nice to see someone share part of my life and recreate it in theirs. :)
My Dad used to live in Famagusta before the invasion and I think me knocking up a couple of these would be a delightful reminder of the cypriot med food.
Despite the great hoohahs on the island, the greek cypriot, and turkish cypriot food seems to differ little. Another favourite of mine is also the simply titled "Beef in honey and wine" which must be cooked for a long time as it is so tender, it melts in your mouth :D
I was left gobsmacked at the after effects of the troubles in Famagusta. I don't think I'll ever forget looking forward to see a stunning beach and sea view then turning around to see buildings in that state.
The greek/turkish divide doesn't really exist. Cyprus is Cyprus, Cypriots are Cypriots whether the be of Orthodox/Muslim/Greek/Turkish... though the Greeks were always a little arrogant and slightly snobby/racist at times. The foods are similar yet very different too, the Greek side has a lot of pork in the diet, whereas oop north there isn't any. It's subtle... I like the north it's more rustic owing to it's poverty.
Right I'm going to have to make an attempt of these this weekend sometime I reckon!
Kate, did you see Metin to get some freshly ground mince for next to nothing?! :D
That looks so nice and simple...
No Will, unfortunately I couldn't afford the flights :p It was freshly ground though, but maybe not as fresh as Metin's :D I also thought the dough was a bit too thick. It didn't affect the taste at all, but I'll definitely make it thinner next time so we can properly roll them up like wot the Turks do. I forgot the parsley at the end tbh. I was so hungry by then, I just wanted to eat the damn things :D
Burble - Next time you come up, I'll make 'em :)
Burble - Next time you come up, I'll make 'em :)
I shall be on the doorstep when you get home from work.
I was left gobsmacked at the after effects of the troubles in Famagusta. I don't think I'll ever forget looking forward to see a stunning beach and sea view then turning around to see buildings in that state.
You can see where my Dad used to live from the military output in Protaras, apparently the washing is still on the line!
Old Bean said some of the most beautiful underwater scenery exists under Famagusta (The whole area is basically a giant marine shelf) and is littered with a plethora of stunning wildlife, wrecks and pure, unpolluted mediteranean sea :)
Cyprus just rocks so hard. Proud to be part Cypriot - though somewhat biased too ;) :p
Stunning place; I've been more times than I remember :) Where are you from Will? :)
I prefer places like Limmasol over the more 'touristy' Paphos/Agia Napa etc. I think being a port town it has that bustling feel of activity; the locals thrive on tourism sure, but here you can find the authentic populas- the 'local' mezze tavernas, the fish markets, the dusty "roads" to Troodos... natural beauty whether it sparkling turqoise sea, snow capped mountain, weathered fishing jetees or rustic local eateries.
I haven't been for 3/4 years now and my heart warms just thinking of that little island :)
Family is originally from a small village in the Troodos mountains, however the past 3 or so generations we were firmly based in Nicosia. I agree I don't much like the hustle bustle of touristy areas, hence why I like to escape to the villa we have in the middle of nowhere. I remember Ayia Napa when it was merely 2 hotels and a couple of villas and that was it... it was the place where the Cypriots used to go on holiday, now it's unrecogniseable and really not my cup of tea.
If you go up towards wood green in London it's a bustling Greek/Cypriot neighbourhood and it is rather fabulous - sure there are some nice "tavernas" in London, but nothing can beat the fresh ingredients, ambience and weather that you get there.
Anyway we've taken this thread WAAAAY off topic - sorry Kate!!!
No no! ( :p ) It's fine :D I like reading about Cyprus, having become a big fan of the island in the last 12 months ;)
Small world this.
I'll probably be getting fresh (well ~6 hours old) Lahmacun tonight. My father is flying back tonight after 10 days in Cyprus :D
My father is Turkish Cypriot born in Girne (Kyrenia) and lived there before the split.
I've not been over there for 10 years now. I used to go with my brothers at least once a year up until I was 19.
My uncle lived just outside of Girne and ran a home delivery shop "The Old English Corner Shop" near to the town Mosque. My father converted the flat above into our own holiday home for us to stay in when visiting during the summer.
Since then he's built his own retirement house (http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/dogankoy/22333) on a piece of land his father bought many many years before the island split.
Flickr photos (some). (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zicouk/sets/72157615161648188/)
Google from above. (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1&msa=0&msid=111942466861773077805.0004656c23543bbc99784&ll=35.312779,33.325004&spn=0.003121,0.004211&z=18)
I may need to have a go at these, they look excellent !
I'm trying to put together a meat meze evening for the near future, bank holiday weekend hopefully :D
Edit, LoL @ tag line :D:D
You going back to Cyprus again this year Ade? Was good to see you there :)
Matblack
20-03-2009, 17:37
Small world this.
I'll probably be getting fresh (well ~6 hours old) Lahmacun tonight. My father is flying back tonight after 10 days in Cyprus :D
My father is Turkish Cypriot born in Girne (Kyrenia) and lived there before the split.
I've not been over there for 10 years now. I used to go with my brothers at least once a year up until I was 19.
My uncle lived just outside of Girne and ran a home delivery shop "The Old English Corner Shop" near to the town Mosque. My father converted the flat above into our own holiday home for us to stay in when visiting during the summer.
Since then he's built his own retirement house (http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/dogankoy/22333) on a piece of land his father bought many many years before the island split.
Flickr photos (some). (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zicouk/sets/72157615161648188/)
Google from above. (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1&msa=0&msid=111942466861773077805.0004656c23543bbc99784&ll=35.312779,33.325004&spn=0.003121,0.004211&z=18)
That looks great, any chance of mates rates? I reckon I'd be up for a visit next year :D
MB
Small world this.
I'll probably be getting fresh (well ~6 hours old) Lahmacun tonight. My father is flying back tonight after 10 days in Cyprus :D
My father is Turkish Cypriot born in Girne (Kyrenia) and lived there before the split.
I've not been over there for 10 years now. I used to go with my brothers at least once a year up until I was 19.
My uncle lived just outside of Girne and ran a home delivery shop "The Old English Corner Shop" near to the town Mosque. My father converted the flat above into our own holiday home for us to stay in when visiting during the summer.
Since then he's built his own retirement house (http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/dogankoy/22333) on a piece of land his father bought many many years before the island split.
Flickr photos (some). (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zicouk/sets/72157615161648188/)
Google from above. (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1&msa=0&msid=111942466861773077805.0004656c23543bbc99784&ll=35.312779,33.325004&spn=0.003121,0.004211&z=18)
Good thing he bought before the split - else the deeds wouldn't be worth the paper they are written on. I'm still really angry at the mass development they are doing on the north. :( They really are ruining the country IMO... and they're brining in all the Kurds that are just disrespectful and disgusting IMO. I love it when I see Cypriots (both Greek and Turkish) meet up at the Ledra palace crossing or the pedestrian walk way and have a coffee together and some food and chat - it's wonderful, it's how it was, how it should be. The mainland Turks unfortunately haven't really done much to help - however of course mainland Greece stuck it's oar in and that's how it all kicked off... with a little helping hand from the Brits! :o
The house looks lovely, very Cypriot and traditional - good taste! :D
If you're there this summer I shall be (I go at least once a year) we can have a beer, Keo not Efes as Efes is just horrid :p
Good thing he bought before the split - else the deeds wouldn't be worth the paper they are written on. I'm still really angry at the mass development they are doing on the north. :( They really are ruining the country IMO... and they're brining in all the Kurds that are just disrespectful and disgusting IMO. I love it when I see Cypriots (both Greek and Turkish) meet up at the Ledra palace crossing or the pedestrian walk way and have a coffee together and some food and chat - it's wonderful, it's how it was, how it should be. The mainland Turks unfortunately haven't really done much to help - however of course mainland Greece stuck it's oar in and that's how it all kicked off... with a little helping hand from the Brits! :o
The house looks lovely, very Cypriot and traditional - good taste! :D
If you're there this summer I shall be (I go at least once a year) we can have a beer, Keo not Efes as Efes is just horrid :p
To be honest I've stayed away from the politics of Cyprus. In the last ten years I can only imagine how much development has been going on in the Northern side. My father's land deeds are from 1961 so are long before the divide. He used to live side by side with Greek and Turkish Cypriots and got along quite well with all of them.
Turkey is a little like comparing mainland UK to the Channel Islands, speak the same basic language though are worlds apart.
As for going back to Cyprus, I really need to get my passport renewed first :D. My father fly’s to Larna when he goes to Cyprus. It's ~£125 cheaper and ~1 hour shorter flight time than using the Turkish carriers.
If I am out there anytime soon, I'll give you a shout. The invatation is also up for any BD members to pop round and enjoy a drink on me by the pool :thumbsup:.
NokkonWud
20-03-2009, 22:14
Keo not Efes as Efes is just horrid :p
Agreed. Efes is teh ming. I had to start drinking Miller imported, which cost around £3 a bottle in Istanbul. Got addicted to it and it led to some rather poor moments of judgement in Vegas when it was 'free' :(.
Agreed. Efes is teh ming. I had to start drinking Miller imported, which cost around £3 a bottle in Istanbul. Got addicted to it and it led to some rather poor moments of judgement in Vegas when it was 'free' :(.
I can't believe this but I don't think I've had a single drink (beer/spirit) when I've been in Cyprus.
I've got plenty of catching up to do then :D.
You going back to Cyprus again this year Ade? Was good to see you there :)
I want to but the Mrs wants to go to Portugal.
I might try and get the lads organised and have a week over again :D
Lom, go google Cyprus, it looks lovely.
*plots*
so sad we missed you guys in Cyprus last year :( We were just 2 months too early!!
back O/T, looks like Pides... thats what we've seen them called in some places - or are they something different Will?
Looks like it's slightly different, but not much.
http://www.hitit.co.uk/foodrink/pide.html says that lahmacun is "a smaller, thinner, rounder thing cooked in the same sort of oven and usually available wherever pide is cooked. A spiced minced meat and tomato topping (or sometimes chicken). Usually the cheapest thing you can eat for lunch."
Lahmacun is more of a Cypriot dish. On a trip to Turkey we ordered some Lahmacun and the difference between them and the ones served in Cyprus was massive. Unfortunately Lahmacun is seen as a fast food type snack and in Turkey (at least in the places I visited) they have taken that to the maximum and used cheaper quality mince.
TinkerBell
01-04-2009, 13:51
Nom Nom Nom :D
Had these at the weekend and they were delicious, I did take a photo of the end product but forget to transfer it to the lappy.
Think I will be making these tonight :)
Nom Nom Nom :D
Had these at the weekend and they were delicious, I did take a photo of the end product but forget to transfer it to the lappy.
Think I will be making these tonight :)
If you have a few going spare ;)
My dad didn't bring any back when he returned from Cyprus :(
Glad you enjoyed it. Will have to make me & him some more again soon :)
I forgot to mention, I had one of these in a cafe on Saturday. It was delish :)
BUMPIO!!!
After seeing the lovely lads we went on holiday to Cyprus with this weekend, it left me pining for some Lahmacun, so I'm making it for us tonight :D
More of you must try this recipe. It really is delicious!!
can I have some?
found myself in the house again with no food, all decent shops shut and I really don't feel like some sugar or fat infested takeaway :(..
I thought this was a 24/7 society.
It is.. apart from Sundays :p The good thing about Lahmacun is that the only ingredient I don't keep as a store cupboard item is the lamb. Have stocked up now though :D
Last ones in the oven now. They smell gorgeous :D
My dad's going over on Wednesday morning to sort out his house (renting it out for 1+ year).
I'll order some in for next week :D.
I've only got a few weeks to go till I'm back to the island for some myself! :D
vBulletin® v3.7.4, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.