Lahmacun (Turkish Pizza) with The Better Butchers Italian Plant-Based Ground

Lahmacun (pronounced lah-ma-joon) is a beloved Turkish street food—a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a rich, spiced mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, and aromatic Middle Eastern flavours. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed rolled up with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.

This vegan version stays true to the authentic taste and texture, using The Better Butchers Italian Plant-Based Ground to create a savoury, perfectly seasoned topping. The result? A deliciously crispy, flavour-packed lahmacun that’s entirely plant-based, and ultimately satisfying.

What Makes This Plant-Based Lahmacun Special?

✔ Authentic Flavours – The blend of cumin, paprika, oregano, and cinnamon brings the warmth and depth of classic lahmacun.

✔ The Better Butchers Italian Plant-Based Ground – This meaty, flavourful alternative holds up beautifully in the topping, absorbing all the spices and tomato richness.

✔ Crispy, Thin Flatbread – Light, golden, and just the right amount of crunch—homemade dough makes all the difference!

✔ Fresh & Bright Finish – Topped with red onion, parsley, and lemon juice for the perfect balance of savoury and zesty.

How to Make the Lahmacun

Ingredients

For the Dough: 
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 package The Better Butchers Italian Plant-Based Ground
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of ½ a lemon

For Serving:
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Vegan yogurt (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

2. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.

3. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Topping

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.

3. Add The Better Butchers Italian Ground, breaking it up as it cooks.

4. Stir in tomato, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

5. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice.

3. Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up.

2. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into a thin oval or circle.

3. Spread a thin layer of the plant-based topping over each piece of dough.

4. Transfer to the hot baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until crisp and golden.

4. Serve & Enjoy

1. Sprinkle with extra parsley and red onion.

2. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

3. Roll up and eat like a wrap or enjoy flat.

Tips for the Perfect Lahmacun

✅ Roll the dough thin – This gives you the classic crisp texture.

✅ Preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone – It helps create a crispy bottom.

✅ Don’t overload with toppings – A light spread of the plant-based mixture ensures the lahmacun bakes evenly.

✅ Serve fresh – Lahmacun is best enjoyed hot out of the oven with plenty of fresh lemon juice!

More Ways to Enjoy Lahmacun

While traditionally served with lemon and parsley, you can switch it up with:

🌱 Dairy-Free Garlic Yogurt Sauce – A creamy, cooling contrast to the spiced topping.

🥒 Sliced Cucumbers & Tomatoes – For extra freshness.

🌶 Pickled Peppers – If you love a little heat!

This lahmacun highlights traditional flavours shining brightly in our plant-based version. Made with The Better Butchers Italian Plant-Based Ground, it’s easy to prepare, full of bold, savoury flavours, and perfect for a quick dinner or sharing with friends.

Give it a try and let us know how you like it on Instagram! What are your favourite ways to top your lahmacun?