Turkish Pide Recipe – A Delightful Flatbread Adventure

Say hello to Turkish Pide — a golden-baked, boat-shaped flatbread that’s as satisfying as it is stunning. Often called Turkey’s answer to pizza, pide brings bold toppings, crispy crust, and rich flavors all wrapped up in one delicious bite. Whether it’s packed with spiced ground beef or loaded with melty cheese, this dish is a must-try. Ready to make this Turkish delight from scratch? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Topping 1: Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• Handful of fresh parsley
• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping 2: Cheese Blend

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup soft cheese (like aoi or feta)
• Optional: sliced sucuk sausage & shishito peppers

Egg Wash & Garnish

• 1 beaten egg
• Sesame seeds
• Black seeds (nigella)
• Butter (for brushing after baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Divide the rested dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
5. Cover and rest again for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Topping

1. Blend the onion, bell pepper, and parsley in a food processor.
2. In a bowl, combine this mixture with ground beef, tomato, red pepper paste, and spices.
3. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 3: Roll and Add Toppings

1. Roll each dough ball into a thin oval shape.
2. Spread the ground beef mixture on some of the dough.
3. For others, add the cheese blend. Top with optional sausage and peppers if desired.
4. You can also make a simple cheese-only version.

Step 4: Shape and Brush

1. Fold the edges inward and pinch the ends to form a boat shape.
2. Brush the crust edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame and black seeds.

Step 5: Bake the Pide

1. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature. Place a baking tray on the bottom rack to heat.
2. Bake the pides for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Once out of the oven, brush the edges with butter for extra flavor.
2. Slice and serve hot — every bite is pure Turkish comfort!

Serving Suggestions

Pide makes a fantastic main or appetizer. Pair it with:

• A crisp salad
• A side of yogurt or ayran (Turkish yogurt drink)
• Pickled vegetables or olives for a complete Turkish meal

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian? Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• Gluten-Free? Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
• Spicy Lover? Add extra chili flakes before baking.
• Cheese Obsessed? Try other cheeses like halloumi or feta.

Nutritional Information

Depending on the toppings, one pide contains about 250–400 calories. With protein from beef and cheese, and essential nutrients like iron and calcium, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Personal Notes

Making Turkish pide at home is always a fun experience. The dough is surprisingly easy to work with, and the aroma while it bakes is absolutely irresistible. I love how versatile it is—you can get creative with toppings and never get bored.

I hope you fall in love with Turkish pide just like I have! It’s a delicious twist on pizza that brings new flavors to your table. Try it out and let me know in the comments what variation you made. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it and follow me on social media for more tasty creations!