Lahmacun

Lahmacun is a popular dish originating from the Middle East and Turkey, often referred to as Turkish pizza. It is a round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, including onions, tomatoes, and parsley, then baked.

History

The word Lahmacun is derived from the Arabic lahm b'ajin which means meat with dough. The dish is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, and it has become a popular fast food in Turkey and Middle Eastern countries.

Preparation

The dough for Lahmacun is made from basic ingredients such as flour, water, yeast, and salt. The topping consists of finely chopped or ground beef or lamb, mixed with finely diced vegetables and herbs. The meat mixture is spread on the dough before it is baked in a high-temperature oven, traditionally a stone oven. The result is a crispy, thin-crust "pizza" with a flavorful meat topping.

Serving

Lahmacun is typically served rolled or folded, often with additional toppings or fillings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice. It can be eaten as a snack or a light meal, and is often accompanied by ayran, a traditional yogurt-based drink.

Variations

There are several regional variations of Lahmacun. In Armenia, it is known as Armenian pizza and often includes more spices. In Lebanon, a similar dish is called manakish, but it is usually thicker and has a wider variety of toppings.

See also

• Turkish cuisine
• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Pizza
• Manakish
• Ayran