Lahmacun, sometimes referred to as “Turkish pizza” or “Armenian pizza,” is a popular and delicious dish in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It consists of a thin, round, unleavened dough that is topped with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices. Lahmacun is typically baked in a hot oven or on a hot griddle until the dough is crispy and the topping is cooked to perfection.
Here’s a breakdown of the key components and preparation of lahmacun:
- Dough: The dough for lahmacun is usually made from basic ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and sometimes a bit of olive oil. It is rolled out into thin rounds, similar in size to a personal-sized pizza crust. Unlike traditional pizza dough, lahmacun dough is quite thin and unleavened, resulting in a crispy texture.
- Topping: The topping for lahmacun consists of a mixture made from ground meat, typically lamb or beef, although some variations use a combination of both. To this meat, various seasonings are added, including finely chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, and sometimes a hint of lemon juice or pomegranate molasses. This mixture is spread thinly and evenly over the dough.
- Baking: Lahmacun is traditionally baked in a very hot oven or on a hot griddle, similar to the way pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven. This high heat ensures that the dough becomes crispy and the meat topping is cooked quickly, usually within a few minutes.
- Serving: Once cooked, lahmacun is typically served hot and fresh out of the oven. It is often garnished with additional fresh ingredients, such as a squeeze of lemon juice, parsley, and sometimes fresh herbs like mint or arugula. It’s common to roll or fold the lahmacun and eat it like a wrap or sandwich.
Lahmacun is a popular street food and snack in many countries across the Middle East and Mediterranean, including Turkey, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria. It is usually served as an appetizer or a quick meal and is known for its combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s a versatile dish and can be customized to suit individual tastes, making it a beloved food option in the region and beyond.