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- 250g all-purpose flour - 200g ground lamb or beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 150g plain yogurt - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped - Fresh parsley - Lemon wedges For my Mini Mediterranean Lahmacun Bites, you need a mix of fresh and flavorful ingredients. First, let's talk about the main ingredients. You will use 250g of all-purpose flour to create a soft dough. The dough will be the base for your bites. Next, you will need 200g of ground lamb or beef. This meat adds richness and flavor to your dish. You also need a small onion, some garlic, and a red bell pepper. These three ingredients provide a great depth of flavor. Finely chopping them helps release their natural tastes. Now, let’s focus on the seasonings and condiments. Ground cumin and paprika give your meat a warm, spicy kick. A tablespoon of tomato paste adds a nice tang to the filling. For the yogurt drizzle, mix 150g of plain yogurt with lemon zest and fresh mint for a refreshing taste. Lastly, consider adding some fresh parsley and lemon wedges as optional garnishes. These will not only make your dish look beautiful but also add a burst of flavor. Each component plays an important role in making these Lahmacun bites delicious and memorable. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, combine 250g of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast, 150ml of warm water, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Next, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Then, cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. While the dough rises, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent. Then, add 200g of ground lamb or beef, along with 1 finely chopped red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook this mixture for 8-10 minutes until the meat is browned. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into small balls, about the size of golf balls. Roll each ball into a thin round, around 1/8 inch thick, on a floured surface. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the meat mixture onto each round, spreading it evenly while leaving a small border around the edges. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Transfer the prepared lahmacun bites to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crisp. Once done, cool them briefly on a wire rack. In a small bowl, combine 150g of plain yogurt, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 tablespoon of chopped mint. Mix these well until smooth and creamy. When the lahmacun bites are ready, drizzle this herbed yogurt over them or serve it on the side for dipping. To make your dough smooth and elastic, start with quality flour. All-purpose flour works great. Mix it with warm water and yeast. Knead the mixture for about 5-7 minutes. This helps develop gluten, which gives the dough its stretch. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. For rising, keep the dough in a warm spot. Cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise for 30 minutes. This helps it double in size. If your kitchen is cool, try placing it near a warm oven. Cook the meat filling with care for the best flavor. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil first. This adds a great base flavor. After about 3-4 minutes, add your ground lamb or beef. Cook it until it’s browned, around 8-10 minutes. Stir often to break up the meat. To enhance flavor, mix in cumin, paprika, and tomato paste. These spices give the filling a rich taste. Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper to taste. This will bring out all the flavors in the meat. For presentation, arrange your lahmacun bites on a bright platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. Serve the herbed yogurt drizzle on the side. This makes it easy for guests to dip or drizzle. Pair these bites with a light drink. A chilled white wine or sparkling water works well. It balances the rich flavors of the lahmacun. Enjoy your tasty creation with friends and family! Pro Tips Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest after kneading helps it become more elastic, making it easier to roll out into thin rounds. Use Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh parsley and mint instead of dried for an enhanced flavor profile in the herbed yogurt and meat mixture. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the lahmacun bites while baking; they can go from golden to burnt quickly, so remove them as soon as the edges are crispy. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to the meat mixture, such as diced tomatoes or olives, to suit your taste preferences. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of lahmacun bites by using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Cooked lentils offer a hearty texture and absorb spices well. For mushrooms, choose varieties like portobello or cremini for a rich flavor. Adjust your spices to enhance the vegetarian taste. Consider adding smoked paprika or extra herbs to give it depth. For those needing a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour alternatives. Almond flour or a blend of rice flour and tapioca starch works well. You may need to tweak the liquid amounts for the right dough texture. Test the dough until it feels smooth and elastic, just like traditional dough. While the herbed yogurt drizzle is tasty, you can explore other sauces. Try a spicy tahini sauce or a zesty garlic sauce for a different flavor profile. For dips, consider a hot pepper sauce or a tangy chimichurri. These alternatives add fun twists to your bites, making each serving unique and exciting. To keep your Lahmacun bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Place the container in the fridge. They will last for about three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing instead. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked Lahmacun bites. For uncooked bites, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. For cooked bites, let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat these bites in the oven for the best taste. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This will revive their crispy edges. Enjoy the flavors just like when they were fresh! Lahmacun bites are small, savory pastries from the Middle East. They feature a thin dough topped with seasoned meat. This dish has roots in Turkey and is often called "Turkish pizza." The word "lahmacun" means "meat with dough." You can enjoy these bites as a snack or appetizer. Yes, you can switch the meat. Ground beef or turkey works well. Each type brings a different flavor. For a lighter option, try chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats. To speed up rising, place the dough in a warm spot. You can also use warm water when mixing the dough. If your kitchen is cool, turn on the oven lightly. Then, turn it off and place the dough inside. Cover it with a towel to keep it warm. You can make a vegan version by using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Cook them with the same spices for great flavor. Use a vegan yogurt for the herbed drizzle. This keeps the dish tasty and plant-based. For a party, arrange the lahmacun bites on a colorful platter. Add fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish. Serve the herbed yogurt drizzle on the side. This makes it easy for guests to dip and enjoy. Lahmacun bites are a fun dish to make and share. We explored the main ingredients, including flour, meat, and seasonings. The step-by-step guide simplifies dough making, filling preparation, and baking. We discussed tips for perfecting the dough and adding creative garnishes. You can even tweak the recipe for vegetarian or gluten-free options. Enjoying these bites will impress any guest and keep everyone coming back for more. Whether for a party or family meal, Lahmacun bites are a delicious choice!

Mini Mediterranean Lahmacun Bites with Herbed Yogurt

Delicious mini lahmacun bites topped with a savory meat mixture and served with a refreshing herbed yogurt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 150 ml warm water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 200 g ground lamb or beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 150 g plain yogurt
  • 1 zest of lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean cloth and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 30 minutes.
  • While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate the ground lamb or beef into the skillet, along with the finely chopped red bell pepper, ground cumin, paprika, and tomato paste. Cook the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through. Add the chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it into small balls, approximately the size of golf balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin round, about 1/8 inch thick.
  • Spoon a generous tablespoon of the meat mixture onto each round of dough, spreading it evenly with the back of the spoon, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Transfer the prepared lahmacun bites to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp to the touch.
  • While the lahmacun bites are baking, prepare the herbed yogurt. In a small bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, lemon zest, and chopped mint until well combined.
  • Once the lahmacun bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
  • When ready to serve, drizzle the herbed yogurt sauce generously over the warm lahmacun bites or serve it on the side for dipping.

Notes

Arrange the lahmacun bites on a colorful serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the herbed yogurt on the side in a small bowl for an inviting, appealing presentation!
Keyword appetizer, lahmacun, meat, Mediterranean, yogurt