Country: Turkey Servings: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour – 3 cups / 375 g
• warm water – 1 cup / 240 g
• active dry yeast – 1 packet / 7 g
• sugar – 1 tbsp / 12 g
• salt – 1 tsp / 6 g
• olive oil – 2 tbsp / 30 ml
• ground beef – 250 g / 8.8 oz
• onion, finely chopped – 1 medium / 150 g
• tomato paste – 1 tbsp / 16 g
• paprika – 1 tsp / 5 g
• black pepper – 1/2 tsp / 3 g
• parsley, chopped – 1/4 cup / 15 g
• egg, beaten for glaze – 1

Instructions

1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a pan, cook the onion until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in parsley.
6. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into an oval shape.
8. Spread the meat mixture evenly on each piece of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Fold the edges slightly over the filling and brush the dough with beaten egg.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
11. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm.

Substitutions

• ground beef -> ground lamb or chicken
• all-purpose flour -> whole wheat flour
• olive oil -> vegetable oil

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Add more herbs like mint or dill for a fresh twist.
• Incorporate a blend of cheeses for depth of flavor in the filling.
• Experiment with different fillings such as mushrooms or peppers.