Baked Lahmacun with Ground Lamb and Sumac-Spiced Tomato Sauce
Thin, crispy flatbread topped with a zesty blend of ground lamb, tomatoes, spices, and fresh herbs, baked until golden and perfect for folding and sharing. This middle eastern-inspired pizza ready in about 90 minutes blends all-purpose flour, warm water, active dry yeast into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 12 oz ground lamb
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp active dry yeast in 3/4 cup warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 475°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix 12 oz ground lamb, 3 tbsp tomato paste, 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley, 1 finely chopped medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground sumac, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp water until well combined.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a thin 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Spread about 3 tbsp of the lamb mixture thinly and evenly over each dough circle.
- Step 4: Place the lahmacun on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are crisp and the meat topping is cooked through. Serve warm, optionally folded with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lahmacun with Ground Lamb and Sumac-Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (80 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Lahmacun with Ground Lamb and Sumac-Spiced Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lahmacun with Ground Lamb and Sumac-Spiced Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Lahmacun with Ground Lamb and Sumac-Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Lahmacun with Ground Lamb and Sumac-Spiced Tomato Sauce?
Middle Eastern pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
