05 Jun 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 40 min
Ingredients:
1 cup milk (1% fat)
1 tsp yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup bread flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp olive oil
1 eggplant
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
8 oz lamb mince
1 tsp spice mix
2 cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1 egg
1 tsp sesame seeds
Lamb & Eggplant Pide is a delightful Turkish flatbread that's perfect for a savory meal. This recipe combines tender lamb, smoky eggplant, and a medley of spices, all nestled in a homemade bread dough. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this pide is sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive into crafting this delectable dish!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Warm the milk slightly until lukewarm (about body temperature).
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Dice the eggplant, onion, and garlic finely.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the lamb mince and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the diced eggplant and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the spice mix and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the parsley.
3. Assemble the Pide:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long oval shape, about ¼ inch thick.
- Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spoon the lamb and eggplant mixture onto the center of each oval, spreading it out evenly but leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling at both ends and along the sides, pinching the corners to seal and form a boat shape.
- Beat the egg and brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the egg-washed edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Finish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped cherry tomatoes and parsley over the top.
- Slice into pieces and serve warm.
Tips:
- For a fluffier dough, let it rest and rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Roast the eggplant beforehand to bring out its natural sweetness and reduce its bitterness.
- Use fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Ensure the lamb mince is well-browned to develop a deeper flavor.
- Don't overload the pide with toppings as it may affect the baking process and make it soggy.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on the edges of the dough for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Congratulations! You've successfully prepared a delicious Lamb & Eggplant Pide. The combination of tender lamb, smoky eggplant, and flavorful spices on a fresh, homemade dough makes for an incredibly satisfying meal. Enjoy your homemade Turkish flatbread with friends and family—it’s perfect for sharing. Bon appétit!