Name: Turkish Pide with Spicy Lamb and Feta, Drizzled with Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 lb pizza dough; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe

Turkish Pide with Spicy Lamb and Feta is a savory, flavorful dish that brings together tender ground lamb, aromatic spices, and creamy feta cheese, all baked to perfection in a golden, crispy crust. This traditional Turkish flatbread-style pizza is enhanced by a tangy yogurt sauce drizzled over the top for an extra layer of richness. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or an adventurous weekend dish. The combination of the spiced lamb, the saltiness of the feta, and the smooth yogurt sauce is a mouthwatering experience that will transport you straight to the streets of Istanbul.

This dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Turkish cuisine in your own kitchen. The spiced lamb mixture is full of depth and warmth from cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, while the feta adds a creamy, salty contrast. The crust, which is soft and slightly chewy on the inside with a crisp, golden exterior, perfectly complements the toppings. Whether you’re already a fan of Turkish cuisine or new to these flavors, this pide recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Turkish Pide with Spicy Lamb and Feta is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for those who love bold and savory meals. The spiced lamb, enhanced by cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, creates a rich base that’s balanced by the creamy feta cheese. The addition of fresh parsley brings a hint of freshness, while the yogurt sauce adds tang and creaminess that elevates the entire dish.

Not only does this recipe pack a punch in terms of flavor, but it’s also easy to make and customizable. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, use different herbs, or even swap out the lamb for beef or chicken if preferred. The pizza dough is simple to roll out and bake, and the entire dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meals when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Mixture

Ground lamb
Onion
Garlic
Ground cumin
Paprika
Cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper
Feta cheese
Fresh parsley

For the Dough and Yogurt Sauce

Pizza dough
Greek yogurt
Lemon juice
Olive oil

Variations

While the traditional version of Turkish Pide uses lamb, you can easily make variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Substitute the Lamb: You can use ground beef, chicken, or even turkey as an alternative to lamb for a lighter or different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant, and add extra feta cheese for flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely. You can also add more paprika for a smoky flavor.
Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have feta on hand, try using goat cheese or ricotta for a different texture and flavor.
Herb Variations: Add a bit of oregano or thyme to the lamb mixture for an even more aromatic experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to get it hot enough to bake the pide to a crisp, golden perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Lamb

In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly.

Step 3: Add Spices and Vegetables

Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the lamb. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and the onion to soften.

Step 4: Stir in Feta and Parsley

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet into an oval shape, making sure it’s about 1/4-inch thick. You can also stretch the dough by hand if you prefer.

Step 6: Assemble the Pide

Spread the lamb mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 7: Bake the Pide

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the edges are crispy.

Step 8: Make the Yogurt Sauce

While the pide is baking, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve

Once the pide is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the yogurt sauce over the top. Slice and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Evenly Spread the Filling: When spreading the lamb mixture over the dough, ensure it is evenly distributed so that each bite has a balanced amount of meat and feta.
Watch the Dough: Keep an eye on the pide while it’s baking to avoid over-browning the crust. You want it golden but not too dark.
Use a Pizza Stone: For an extra crispy crust, bake the pide on a preheated pizza stone if you have one available.
Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a more garlicky yogurt sauce, add a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for added flavor.

How to Serve

Turkish Pide with Spicy Lamb and Feta is best served hot from the oven with the yogurt sauce drizzled on top. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad with olive oil and lemon dressing. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal. A glass of Turkish tea or a refreshing cucumber-mint drink would complement the dish perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the pide in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust will soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the pide before baking. After assembling the pide with the lamb mixture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover pide in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over low heat.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough from scratch?

Yes, you can make homemade pizza dough for the pide if you prefer, but store-bought dough is a quick and easy option.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella. The texture and flavor will be different, but it will still be delicious.

3. Can I use beef instead of lamb?

Yes, ground beef is a suitable substitute for lamb if you prefer a milder flavor or do not eat lamb.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the lamb mixture and dough in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. Assemble and bake the pide just before serving.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers to the lamb mixture for an added spicy kick.

6. Can I use a different kind of yogurt for the sauce?

If you prefer, you can use a non-dairy yogurt alternative like coconut or almond milk yogurt for the sauce.

7. Can I bake the pide on a pizza stone?

Yes, using a pizza stone will help achieve a crispier crust and is a great option if you have one.

8. What can I serve with Turkish Pide?

This pide pairs well with a variety of sides such as a Greek salad, pickled vegetables, or roasted vegetables.

9. Can I freeze the pide after it’s baked?

While it’s best to freeze the pide before baking, you can freeze it after baking, though the crust may not be as crispy upon reheating.

10. How can I store leftover yogurt sauce?

Store leftover yogurt sauce in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving.

Conclusion

Turkish Pide with Spicy Lamb and Feta is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone craving something unique and hearty. The combination of spiced lamb, creamy feta, and tangy yogurt sauce makes for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and comforting textures. Give this Turkish-inspired recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciousness of this savory pide with every bite.