Pide Bread

Pide Bread

Pide is a traditional Turkish flatbread that bears a resemblance to pizza, but with its own distinct characteristics and regional flair. Known as “Turkish pizza,” pide is typically baked in a stone oven and shaped into a boat-like or oblong form, with a variety of savory fillings. The crust is soft and slightly chewy, with crispy edges, making it perfect for holding rich, flavorful toppings. Pide is deeply rooted in Turkish culinary culture and is often enjoyed as a snack, a light meal, or a communal dish. Popular variations include fillings such as minced meat, cheese, vegetables, or eggs, with each region of Turkey adding its own signature touch.

Pide is a versatile and beloved dish, with its ingredients often chosen based on seasonality and local availability. While it's often topped with lamb or beef, there are numerous vegetarian options that showcase the vibrant produce of Turkey. Whether you enjoy it with spiced ground meat, cheese, or fresh herbs, pide is a comforting, flavorful dish that can be customized to suit various tastes. It's a great way to experience Turkish Flavors, offering a unique twist on the traditional pizza that’s both satisfying and aromatic.

Pide Recipe

Servings: 4 small pide (individual portions)
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rise)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 ¼ tsp dry active yeast
• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 200 g (7 oz) ground lamb or beef (optional, can substitute with plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for a vegetarian version)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated mozzarella or Turkish kasar cheese (optional)
• 1 egg (optional, for cracking on top)
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1.   Prepare the Dough:

o   In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

o   Add flour, salt, and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

o   Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2.   Prepare the Topping Filling:

o   In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.

o   Add the ground meat (if using) and cook until browned. If using mushrooms or plant-based meat, sauté until softened.

o   Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender, and the Flavors have melded. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3.   Shape the Pide Dough:

o   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to heat.

o   Divide the dough into 4 portions and roll each portion into an oblong or boat-shaped flatbread, about 8–10 inches long.

o   Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper.

4.   Assemble the Pide:

o   Spread a portion of the meat or vegetable filling along the centre of each pide dough.

o   Fold the edges of the dough inward to create the boat-like shape, leaving the filling exposed in the centre.

o   If you like, crack an egg into the centre of the filling for added richness (optional).

5.   Bake the Pide:

o   Transfer the pide (with parchment paper) onto the hot baking sheet or stone.

o   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy, and the filling is cooked through.

o   If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the filling during the last 3–4 minutes of baking.

6.   Serve:

o   Remove from the oven and drizzle with a little olive oil.

o   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Pide is a wonderful alternative to pizza and offers an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine. Its soft, chewy crust combined with savory, spiced fillings makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to suit different tastes, from meat lovers to vegetarians.

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