Cretan Lahmacun

Ingredients

In the Cretan adaptation of Lahmacun, we incorporate Cretan olive oil, fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, and Cretan cheese to add a unique twist to the traditional Turkish recipe. These additions enhance the flavors and bring a touch of the Mediterranean to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Lahmacun, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) ground lamb 300g (10.5 oz) ground lamb
• 2 tablespoons Cretan olive oil 2 tablespoons Cretan olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons crumbled Cretan cheese 4 tablespoons crumbled Cretan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 4 thin pizza dough rounds 4 thin pizza dough rounds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the Cretan olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Place the pizza dough rounds on a baking sheet. Spread the lamb mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the crumbled Cretan cheese over the lamb mixture.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cretan olive oil — Use extra virgin Cretan olive oil for its distinct flavor and health benefits.
• Cretan cheese — If Cretan cheese is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese or any other tangy cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lamb mixture.
• Serve Cretan Lahmacun with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or fresh arugula.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground lamb with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Leftover Cretan Lahmacun can be enjoyed as a delicious cold snack the next day.

Serving advice

Cretan Lahmacun is best served hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into wedges and serve as an appetizer or a main course alongside a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional fresh herbs, such as oregano or thyme, on top of the Lahmacun before serving. The vibrant green colors will add a pop of freshness to the dish.