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Turkish Pide Boats Recipe

4.7 from 97 reviews

Turkish Pide Boats are delightful boat-shaped flatbreads topped with a savory ground meat filling seasoned with aromatic spices, vegetables, and optional cheese. This recipe guides you through making the yeast dough from scratch, preparing a flavorful filling, and baking the pide to golden perfection. Enjoy a traditional Turkish comfort food that’s perfect for sharing or a family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 bell pepper (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as mozzarella or feta, optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a perfect texture.
  4. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size, allowing the dough to ferment and expand.
  5. Cook Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground meat, chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes, to develop rich flavors.
  6. Season Filling: Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. If using, mix in the grated cheese for a creamy touch.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pide boats.
  8. Divide Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles and divide it into 4 equal pieces for individual pide boats.
  9. Shape Pide: Roll each piece into an oval shape about 10 inches long on a floured surface. Use your fingers to create a raised edge along the sides, forming a boat shape to hold the filling securely.
  10. Fill Pide: Place the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the prepared filling into the center of each pide boat, distributing it evenly.
  11. Bake Pide: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through, resulting in crispy edges and a tender center.
  12. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, brush with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.

Notes

  • Use warm water (about 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast properly; water that is too hot or cold may prevent rising.
  • The filling can be customized by using ground lamb, beef, or a mix for varied flavor.
  • Cheese is optional but adds a delicious richness to the pide boats.
  • Letting the dough rise fully is essential for light and airy pide crust.
  • Brush the baked pide with melted butter for a glossy finish and enhanced taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Turkish pide boats, Turkish flatbread, pide recipe, ground beef pide, Turkish cuisine, homemade pide, oven-baked pide, savory Turkish bread