Karsambaç - Turkish Stuffed Flatbread

Ingredients

• For the flatbread: For the flatbread:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (235ml) warm water 1 cup (235ml) warm water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 lb (450g) ground lamb or beef 1 lb (450g) ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt for the flatbread. Gradually add the olive oil and warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. 2.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface. Place a generous amount of the filling on one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
6. 6.
7. 7.
   Transfer the stuffed flatbreads onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the flatbreads are golden brown and cooked through.
8. 8.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice the Karsambaç into wedges and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground lamb or beef — Make sure to use lean ground meat for a healthier option. You can also mix lamb and beef for a more complex flavor.
• All-purpose flour — If desired, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutritional value.
• Bell pepper — Feel free to use different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Dried oregano — If you prefer a stronger oregano flavor, you can use fresh oregano instead of dried.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
• Serve Karsambaç with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
• Experiment with different fillings such as spinach and feta cheese for a vegetarian option.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the flatbreads with olive oil before baking.
• Leftover Karsambaç can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster oven for a quick and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the warm Karsambaç as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. Alternatively, cut it into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer or snack during gatherings or parties.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, on top of the sliced Karsambaç. Serve it on a wooden board or a decorative platter to showcase the beautiful golden-brown crust.