Introduction
Turkish pide is a traditional flatbread that is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It's akin to pizza but comes with its unique blend of flavours and textures. This recipe is specially tailored for air fryers, offering a modern twist to this Turkish classic while making it accessible and easy for home cooks.
Ingredients
- 300g plain flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 7g dried yeast
- 180ml warm water
- 150g minced lamb or beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 diced green pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50g grated cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the olive oil and warm water, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead the dough for about five minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Preparing the Filling
In a pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions and green peppers until soft. Add in the minced lamb or beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, mix in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to blend. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
3. Shaping the Pide
Deflate the dough gently, then divide it into two equal portions. Roll each dough portion into a flat oval shape, approximately 25-30 cm long. Place the oval-shaped dough on a piece of baking paper to make it easier to transfer.
4. Assembling the Pide
Spread the prepared filling evenly over each dough oval, leaving a border around the edges. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top. Fold the edges of the dough inwards slightly to create a border, pinching the ends to form a canoe shape.
5. Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Place one pide at a time in the air fryer basket, ensuring it sits comfortably without touching the sides. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serving
Once done, remove the pide from the air fryer. Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm, optionally with a fresh salad or yogurt dip on the side. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Turkish pide!
Tips for Perfect Pide
- Ensure the yeast is active by using warm water, which helps the dough rise.
- Allow the filling to cool before spreading it on the dough to prevent making the dough soggy.
- Experiment with toppings, such as feta cheese, spinach, or mushrooms for variety.
Conclusion
Using an air fryer to make Turkish pide is a quick and modern method that ensures a crispy and delicious result every time. This recipe is straightforward and adaptable, making it perfect for any home cook looking to explore Turkish cuisine from the comfort of their kitchen.