Pide Turkish Flatbread Pizza (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 207 ml lukewarm water
02 - 1 teaspoon sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon instant yeast
04 - 300 g all-purpose flour
05 - 3 tablespoons powdered milk or 1 tablespoon dough conditioner (optional)
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

→ Coating

07 - 3 tablespoons molasses or pomegranate molasses (optional)
08 - 1 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional)
09 - 1 egg, beaten
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 2 teaspoons nigella seeds (optional)

→ Cheese Filling

12 - 2 cups shredded Turkish kasar cheese or mozzarella cheese
13 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 1 teaspoon Turkish Spice Blend (optional)
15 - Green and red hot chiles, diced or sliced

→ Spinach Filling (optional)

16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
17 - 1 medium white onion, diced
18 - 6 cups baby spinach leaves
19 - 1 tablespoon chopped dill
20 - 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
21 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
22 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
23 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Meat Filling (optional)

24 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
25 - 1 medium white onion, diced
26 - 1 pound ground lamb or beef
27 - 1/4 cup pine nuts
28 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
29 - 1 teaspoon Turkish Spice Blend (optional)
30 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
31 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
32 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
33 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

# Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, mix water, sugar, and yeast, letting it activate and become foamy for 3 minutes. Combine flour, salt, and optional powdered milk or bread conditioner in a large bowl or mixer. Make a well in the center, add the yeast mixture, and knead for 6-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a linen towel and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
02 - In a large shallow dish, whisk together molasses and 3 tablespoons of water. In another shallow dish, place sesame seeds. Set both aside.
03 - Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Divide dough into 6 equal balls and roll each into a long oval shape about 1/2 inch thick. Fill the center with shredded cheese, 3 tablespoons of cream cheese, and seasoning, leaving a 3/4-inch border. Fold and pinch the edges to seal, forming a boat shape. Turn over and gently press to flatten.
04 - Dip each dough piece in the molasses water, then coat evenly with sesame seeds. Place each on the prepared tray. Make a deep, long slice down the top, leaving 1/2 inch on both ends, and open it slightly. Flatten slightly and add more cheese, seasoning, or chiles as desired.
05 - Bake on the bottom oven rack for 10-12 minutes, then move to the top rack for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
06 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add spinach, dill, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes, cooking until spinach is wilted. Stir in feta cheese, toss to combine, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
07 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until golden. Add ground meat, pine nuts, cumin, Turkish spice (if using), salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

# Notes:

01 - For a traditional Turkish touch, use pomegranate molasses and nigella seeds for coating.

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