Pide – Turkish Flat Bread / Pizza

Discover a simple, flavorful recipe for Pide, a Turkish flatbread or pizza, using turkey breast, onions, bell peppers, and a touch of spices. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
Growing up, my family cherished the days when my grandmother would cook her special Turkish pide. It wasn’t just about the delicious, crispy flatbread topped with savory turkey; it was about the laughter and stories shared around the kitchen. As a nod to those cherished memories, I’ve tweaked her traditional recipe to create a lighter, diet-friendly version. This recipe maintains the heartwarming flavors and textures but is crafted to fit a modern, health-conscious lifestyle. Every bite takes me back to those warm, joy-filled family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Pide – Turkish Flat Bread / Pizza
Introducing a delightful twist on traditional Turkish cuisine with this diet-friendly Pide recipe! Here’s why you’ll love making this at home:
- Quick and Easy: Prep and cook in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Health-Conscious: Made with lean turkey and fresh vegetables, it’s packed with nutrients without compromising taste.
- Versatile: Ideal for a casual family dinner or as a fancy appetizer for your next gathering.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various toppings to suit everyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients Notes for the Pide – Turkish Flat Bread / Pizza Recipe
Creating this Turkish Pide doesn’t require exotic ingredients or tedious prep. Here’s what you need to know about the key components:
- Minced Turkey Breast: Opt for lean turkey to keep it healthy and light.
- Flatbread: You can use any flatbread like Arabic bread or chapati; just ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Spices: The combination of garlic, mixed spices, and black pepper adds a flavorful punch without overwhelming the delicate turkey.
- Tahini and Lemon Juice: Optional, but highly recommended for adding a creamy, tangy finish that elevates the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pide – Turkish Flat Bread / Pizza
Let’s break down the cooking process into manageable steps to ensure you get perfect pide every time:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven and gathering all your ingredients. This upfront organization will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Cook the Filling: Sauté onions and garlic, then add turkey and spices. Cooking the turkey thoroughly is crucial for both safety and flavor.
- Toast the Flatbread: While the turkey cooks, toast your flatbread slightly in the oven to get that perfect crispiness.
- Assemble the Pide: Place the cooked turkey mixture on the toasted flatbread, shaping it into a boat for a traditional look and to hold the toppings securely.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh vegetables and drizzle with tahini and lemon juice for extra zest. This not only adds layers of flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.

Storage Options for Pide – Turkish Flat Bread / Pizza
Pide is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet for best results. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the bread and filling.
Variations and Substitutions for the Pide – Turkish Flat Bread / Pizza Recipe
This Pide recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ideas to tweak it to your preference:
- Protein Variations: Not a fan of turkey? Substitute with chicken, beef, or even a plant-based alternative.
- Vegan Options: Use mashed chickpeas or tofu instead of turkey for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: For a lower carb version, try using a cauliflower crust or very thin whole grain flatbreads.


Pide – Turkish Flat Bread / Pizza
Ingredients
- 200 grams of minced turkey breast
- 30 milliliters 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 30 milliliters 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
- 5 milliliters 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2.5 milliliters 1/2 teaspoon mixed spices
- 1.25 milliliters 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 milliliters 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 pieces of flatbread such as Arabic bread or chapati
- 15 milliliters 1 tablespoon tahini (optional, for garnishing)
- 15 milliliters 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh vegetables cucumber, tomato, parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Initiate the process by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature for baking.
- Sautéing the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing them until they are translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial as it forms the flavor base for the filling.
- Cooking the Turkey: To the skillet, incorporate the minced turkey along with the mixed spices and black pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the turkey is thoroughly cooked. This step is essential for developing the flavors and ensuring the safety of the dish.
- Toasting the Flatbread: While the turkey cooks, place the flatbread pieces in the preheated oven. Heat them for approximately five minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and possess a crispy texture. This will provide a sturdy base for the toppings.
- Assembling the Pide: Remove the toasted flatbread from the oven. Distribute the cooked turkey mixture evenly in the center of each piece, shaping the mixture longitudinally to mimic the traditional boat shape of pide. This presentation is not only traditional but also functional, as it helps contain the toppings.
- Garnishing: Adorn the top of the turkey mixture with freshly chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley. These fresh vegetables introduce a contrasting texture and refreshing flavor to the dish.
- Adding Final Touches: Optionally, you may drizzle tahini and lemon juice over the assembled pide. These elements add a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the savory filling.