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Turkish Pide (Flatbread Pizza) with Cheese, Spinach, or Meat Fillings Recipe

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3.9 from 32 reviews

Pide is a traditional Turkish flatbread pizza featuring a soft, slightly chewy dough topped or filled with a variety of flavorful ingredients such as cheese, spinach, or meat. This recipe provides a versatile dough base and several filling options, finished with a distinctive coating of molasses and sesame seeds for a unique sweet and nutty crust. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meal, these baked pides offer an authentic taste of Turkey’s beloved street food.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3/4 cup water + 2 tbsp water lukewarm (207 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
  • 3 tbsp powdered milk or 1 tbsp dough conditioner (optional)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Coating

  • 3 tbsp molasses or pomegranate molasses
  • 1 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp nigella seeds (optional)

Cheese Filling

  • 2 cups Turkish kasar cheese or mozzarella shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp Turkish Spice Blend (optional)
  • Green and red hot chiles diced or sliced

Spinach Filling (optional)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion diced
  • 6 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1 tbsp dill chopped
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled

Meat Filling (optional)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion diced
  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Turkish Spice Blend (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 3 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
  2. Make Dough: In a large bowl or mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and optional powdered milk or dough conditioner. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Knead the mixture for 6-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a linen towel and allow it to rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  3. Prepare Coating: In a large shallow dish, whisk together molasses with 3 tablespoons of water. In a separate shallow dish, place the toasted sesame seeds. Set both aside for coating later.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
  5. Form and Fill Dough Balls: Divide the dough into 6 equal parts. Roll each ball into a long oval shape about 1/2 inch thick. Place shredded cheese, 3 tablespoons of cream cheese, and optional spices in the center, leaving a 3/4 inch border around the edges.
  6. Seal Pide: Fold the sides of the dough upward and pinch the edges together to seal the filling inside, forming a boat-shaped oval. Turn the pide over and gently flatten it slightly.
  7. Coat Pide: Dip each pide into the molasses water, then coat all over with sesame seeds, pressing lightly to adhere.
  8. Score and Top: Place the pides on the prepared baking tray. Using a sharp knife, make a deep long slice down the center of the top dough only, leaving about 1/2 inch on both ends uncut. Open the slit gently to expose the filling and flatten it slightly. Add additional cheese, spices, or sliced chiles on top if desired.
  9. Bake: Bake the pides on the bottom rack of the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Then move the tray to the top rack and bake for another 3-5 minutes until the crust turns golden brown.
  10. Prepare Optional Spinach Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent. Add spinach, dill, parsley, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook until spinach wilts, then stir in crumbled feta cheese and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat to cool before stuffing.
  11. Prepare Optional Meat Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until golden, about 4-5 minutes. Add ground lamb or beef, pine nuts, cumin, Turkish spice blend, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until meat is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to break up clumps. Remove from heat and let cool before filling.

Notes

  • If you cannot find powdered milk or dough conditioner, you can omit it; it helps with dough softness but is not essential.
  • Pomegranate molasses offers a unique sweet-tart flavor; if unavailable, regular molasses works well.
  • The cheese filling is traditional and easiest, but spinach or meat fillings add variety and richness.
  • Adjust spice levels according to preference, especially if adding hot chiles or cayenne.
  • Ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve a crisp crust and properly cooked filling.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/turkish-pide-flatbread-pizza-with-cheese-spinach-or-meat-fillings-recipe/