Beef is a delicious foundation for the flavorful dish known as Turkish Pide. This iconic Turkish flatbread is topped with spiced ground beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. I love preparing this dish because it is not only simple but also impresses friends and family alike. In this tutorial, I will guide you through preparing the dough, making the filling, and creating a delightful Turkish Pide that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Turkey.

Let’s start with making the dough. You will need the following ingredients for the dough:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1¼ cups of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour, followed by the olive oil. I like to mix everything until it forms a soft dough.

Next, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

While the dough is rising, let’s prepare our spiced ground beef filling. The ingredients you’ll need are:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

To prepare the filling, I heat a pan over medium heat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become soft and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, mix in the cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, diced tomato, and bell pepper if you are using it. Cook for an additional 5 minutes and set aside to cool slightly.

Now that the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each piece into an oval shape, about ½ inch thick. I like to make the edges a little thicker to form a border for the toppings. Place a generous amount of the beef filling along the center of each oval. Fold the edges inward, leaving the center open, and pinch them to seal.

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the prepared Pide on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. The aroma of the baking bread and spiced beef will fill your kitchen!

Once they are baked, I recommend garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Enjoy your homemade Turkish Pide Bread with Spiced Ground Beef warm, perhaps with a side of yogurt or salad for a complete meal. You will find that this dish not only makes for a satisfying dinner but also offers a fun cooking experience!