Lahmacun

🍕Lahmacun Recipe from North Cyprus – Traditional Turkish-Cypriot Flatbread

If you’ve ever visited North Cyprus, chances are you’ve come across the irresistible Lahmacun – often referred to as “Turkish pizza.” This beloved dish is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a deliciously spiced meat mixture, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Perfect as a quick lunch, street food snack, or shared at family gatherings, Lahmacun in North Cyprus has a rich cultural history and unique local twist.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a traditional North Cypriot Lahmacun recipe, share its origins, and explain how to enjoy it just like the locals do.
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❓What is Lahmacun?

Lahmacun comes from the Arabic words lahm (meat) and ’ajin (dough). It is a thin round of dough topped with a mixture of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a blend of Mediterranean spices. Unlike pizza, it doesn’t include cheese, but it’s packed full of flavour.

In North Cyprus, Lahmacun is often served with fresh lemon wedges, parsley, onion salad, or a crunchy salad wrapped inside the bread, then rolled up and eaten by hand. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of authentic Cypriot flavour.
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🥗Ingredients for North Cyprus Lahmacun

To make around 8 Lahmacuns, you’ll need:

For the dough:
• 500g strong plain flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 7g dried yeast
• 300ml warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the topping:
• 250g minced lamb or beef (or a mix of both)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped or blended
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• A small bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
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👨‍🍳How to Make Lahmacun – Step by Step

🥣Prepare the dough
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
• Add warm water and olive oil gradually, kneading until you get a soft dough.
• Cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.

🥄 Make the topping
• In a mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, tomatoes, pepper, garlic, tomato paste, parsley, and spices.
• Mix well until you have a smooth, spreadable mixture.

🟡 Shape the dough
• Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C).
• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a thin circle (about 25 cm).

🥩 Add the topping
• Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture evenly across each dough circle, pressing it down gently.

🔳 Bake
• Place on a baking tray and bake for 7–10 minutes until the edges are crisp and golden.

🍽️ Serve the Lahmacun
• Squeeze fresh lemon over the hot Lahmacun.
• Add parsley, sliced onion, or salad, then roll it up and enjoy!
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📝Tips for Authentic North Cyprus Lahmacun

• Use lamb for authenticity – it’s the preferred meat in traditional Cypriot recipes.
• Bake on a pizza stone if you want the same crispiness as stone ovens found in Cypriot bakeries.
• Eat it fresh – Lahmacun is best enjoyed straight out of the oven.
• Pair with Ayran – a cool yogurt drink that perfectly balances the spices.
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🎭The Cultural Significance of Lahmacun in North Cyprus

In North Cyprus, Lahmacun is more than just food – it’s a piece of cultural heritage. You’ll find it at village bakeries, markets, and family celebrations. It is considered a humble dish, often shared among friends and family, reflecting the hospitality of the Cypriot people.
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❓Frequently Asked Questions about Lahmacun

Q: Is Lahmacun the same as pizza?
A: Not exactly. While it looks similar, Lahmacun doesn’t use cheese and has a thinner, crispier base with spiced meat topping.

Q: Can I make Lahmacun without meat?
A: Yes, you can try vegetarian versions using mushrooms, lentils, or mixed roasted vegetables.

Q: What’s the best way to eat Lahmacun?
A: The Cypriot way – with a squeeze of lemon, some parsley, onions, and a crunchy salad wrapped inside, then rolled and eaten by hand.
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🌸Final Thoughts

The Lahmacun recipe from North Cyprus is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly delicious and culturally meaningful. Whether you try it at a traditional bakery in Kyrenia or make it at home using this recipe, Lahmacun is a dish that connects people through flavour, history, and tradition.

If you love Cypriot cuisine, don’t miss out on trying this authentic North Cyprus Lahmacun recipe – a crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying dish!