Turkish Pizza (Lahmacun) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Optional toppings: sliced black olives, sliced bell peppers, and thinly sliced onions

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

• Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea leaves, sugar, and spices in a small bowl to create the green tea rubs. This mixture will be used to season the meat.

Prepare the Sauce:

• In a skillet, cook the onion, garlic, and green tea rubs in olive oil over medium heat until the onion is translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assemble the Lahmacun:

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Divide the dough into small portions and roll each out as thinly as possible on a lightly floured surface.
• Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet and spread a thin layer of the cooled sauce over each dough round, leaving a small border.
• Sprinkle the chopped parsley, cilantro, and the seasoned meat over the sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and, if desired, additional toppings like sliced black olives, sliced bell peppers, and thinly sliced onions.

Bake the Lahmacun:

• Bake the lahmacun in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

• Remove the lahmacun from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, or rolled up with the toppings inside, enjoying the flavors of the green tea-seasoned meat and the fresh herbs in this traditional Turkish pizza.