Recipe: Turkish Pizza (Lahmacun)

Lahmacun is considered Turkey's version of a pizza. It involves thinly topping flat bread with a veggie or meat-based mixture and cooking until warm. It is best served alongside some fresh greens, tomatoes, and yogurt. This version is meat-free and loaded with vegetables. You can use a whole-wheat flat bread for added fiber. Enjoy!


What You'll Need:

1 large white onion, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 long green sweet or hot peppers (hot if you like spiciness)
½ red bell pepper
4 tablespoons tomato paste (or 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons red pepper paste)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
4 whole-wheat flatbread, lavash, or naan
3 medium tomatoes, cut into eighths
1 bunch of fresh parsley, half left whole, half chopped up
3-4 tbsp of olive oil

Note: For more depth of flavor, add 2-3 scallions (sliced), 1 teaspoon paprika, and 3-4 tablespoons red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. Can also optionally top with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch! 
What to Do: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 
2. Combine the onion, garlic, peppers, tomato paste, salt, pepper, cumin, and the chopped parsley. Fold until evenly combined.
3. Pat a thin layer across each of the whole-wheat flat bread, leaving a small, 1/2-inch distance between the edge of the flat bread and the veggie mixture.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Check regularly after 8 minutes to prevent the bread from burning.
5. After the vegetables are cooked, remove from oven and plate. Top each flatbread with a small handful of parsley leaves, a few wedges of tomato, and a drizzle of olive oil.