European Cucumber Soup

European Cucumber Soup or Pasta Sauce

European Cucumber Soup

European Cucumber Soup or Pasta Sauce

SpiceBreeze
As you delve into each spoonful, you'll discover a symphony of tastes, from the subtle sweetness of the cucumbers and cream to the savory notes of the onions and garlic. The infusion of aromatic herbs and spices adds depth and complexity, creating a culinary journey that is both comforting and exciting. This European cucumber soup or pasta sauce is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of the vibrant ingredients that thrive during the warm season.
Serve with your preferred crunchy topping!
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine European
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Soup [Pasta Sauce]

  • 1 English cucumber [1]
  • 1 shallot [2] finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped (optional)
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Soup Only

  • 1 cup heavy cream [3]

Pasta Only

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream [3]
  • 8 oz wide noodles

Cucumber Soup Culinary Spice Kit

  • Thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, sage, fennel, lemon and orange peel

Optional

  • Serve soup over cooked potato [4] cubes or with fresh baguette slices.

Choose One Topping

  • ham strips fried
  • bacon strips fried
  • steak strips fried
  • chicken strips fried
  • salmon cubes fried
  • tofu cubes fried
  • leftover meat fried

Instructions
 

Soup

  • Cut cucumber roughly into about 1-inch chunks. [5]
  • In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry onions until they turn translucent. Add garlic for 1 minute.
  • Add cucumber chunks and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil.
  • Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Turn heat off.
  • With a HAND BLENDER, blend the cucumbers in the POT into a smooth puree.
  • Add cream, 1 tbsp of the Cucumber spices and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a boil. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.

Pasta Sauce

  • Follow the soup directions, but reduce water and cream to 1/2 cup each.
  • Pour sauce over pasta.

Serve

  • Serve with your preferred topping. Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute with 10 oz of zucchini or cauliflower.
[2] Substitute with a half medium onion.
[3] Substitute with sour cream or vegan alternatives.
[4] Substitute with any root vegetables.
[5] If you like small cucumber pieces in your soup or pasta sauce:
Peel about 1/3 of the cucumber and add the peel to the remaining cucumber.
Cut the peeled part into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside. Add the cubes to the POT together with the cream.
 

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European Cucumber Soup

European Cucumber Soup or Pasta Sauce

SpiceBreeze
As you delve into each spoonful, you'll discover a symphony of tastes, from the subtle sweetness of the cucumbers and cream to the savory notes of the onions and garlic. The infusion of aromatic herbs and spices adds depth and complexity, creating a culinary journey that is both comforting and exciting. This European cucumber soup or pasta sauce is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of the vibrant ingredients that thrive during the warm season.
Serve with your preferred crunchy topping!
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine European
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Soup [Pasta Sauce]

  • 1 English cucumber [1]
  • 1 shallot [2] finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely chopped (optional)
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Soup Only

  • 1 cup heavy cream [3]

Pasta Only

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream [3]
  • 8 oz wide noodles

Cucumber Soup Culinary Spice Kit

  • Thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, sage, fennel, lemon and orange peel

Optional

  • Serve soup over cooked potato [4] cubes or with fresh baguette slices.

Choose One Topping

  • ham strips fried
  • bacon strips fried
  • steak strips fried
  • chicken strips fried
  • salmon cubes fried
  • tofu cubes fried
  • leftover meat fried

Instructions
 

Soup

  • Cut cucumber roughly into about 1-inch chunks. [5]
  • In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry onions until they turn translucent. Add garlic for 1 minute.
  • Add cucumber chunks and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil.
  • Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Turn heat off.
  • With a HAND BLENDER, blend the cucumbers in the POT into a smooth puree.
  • Add cream, 1 tbsp of the Cucumber spices and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Bring to a boil. Cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.

Pasta Sauce

  • Follow the soup directions, but reduce water and cream to 1/2 cup each.
  • Pour sauce over pasta.

Serve

  • Serve with your preferred topping. Enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute with 10 oz of zucchini or cauliflower.
[2] Substitute with a half medium onion.
[3] Substitute with sour cream or vegan alternatives.
[4] Substitute with any root vegetables.
[5] If you like small cucumber pieces in your soup or pasta sauce:
Peel about 1/3 of the cucumber and add the peel to the remaining cucumber.
Cut the peeled part into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside. Add the cubes to the POT together with the cream.
 
Brazilian Coxinha

Brazilian Coxinha

Coxinha

Little Thighs

Coxinha (“little thigh”) is one of the most famous savory snacks in Brazil and indispensable to any party. Each bar and each family has its own recipe. 

Brazilian Sauce

These fried crisp ‘drumsticks’ filled with a well-seasoned sauce are so scrumptious – you can’t just have one.

The filling makes also a good base for a creamy sauce over noodles, potatoes, or rice.

Variations
  • Substitute chicken with any ground meat or with mixed vegetables and chopped mushrooms or with your favorite cheese or combine any of these ingredients to taste.
  • Add a cream cheese dip.
  • Short version without forming the drumstick-balls: Skip the dough and add 1 cup heavy cream to the filling. Serve the sauce over rice, noodles, or potatoes.
The Coxinha Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Marjoram, oregano, white & black pepper, nutmeg, basil, chili, parsley, and bay leaves

Coxinha
Coxinha

Brazilian Coxinha

SpiceBreeze
Coxinha ("little thigh") is one of the most famous savory snacks in Brazil and is indispensable to any party. Each bar and each family has its own recipe. The fried crisp 'drumsticks' filled with a well-seasoned sauce are so scrumptious - you can't just have one.
Of course, we offer an easier version without the breading and frying as well (see notes).
Tip: Fill any leftover dough with a cube of cheese and/ or ham, and optionally hot chili slices.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken cooked and shredded

Fresh Produce

  • 1 large tomato finely chopped
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 onion finely chopped

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese optional

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Dough*

  • 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups rice flour
  • 3 oz butter

Breading*

  • 1 egg whisked
  • 1-2 cups flour gluten free: almond flour

White dipping sauce (optionally)

  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese

Coxinha Culinary Spice Kit

  • Marjoram, oregano, white & black pepper, nutmeg, basil, chili, parsley, and bay leaves

Instructions
 

Filling

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over low heat.
  • Fry garlic and onions until the onions turn translucent.
  • Add chicken, tomatoes, green onions, and salt to taste.
  • Season with the Coxinha spices to taste. Start with 1 tsp.
  • Cook 10 min. Add broth and opt. cream cheese.
  • Cook about 10-20 minutes until the liquid is reduced.

Dough*

  • In a POT, heat broth and melt butter.
  • Over low heat, add flour and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Stir constantly until smooth and the dough loosens from the pot. Let it cool.

Coxinha

  • Form a “golf” ball with the dough.
  • Flatten it in your palm.
  • Place the filling in the center, close, and form a smooth ball.
  • Optionally, mold it into a drumstick or any other shape.

Breading*

  • Coat Coxinhas in egg, then in flour.

Frying*

  • In a POT, heat enough oil to cover Coxinhas.
  • Fry Coxinhas until they turn golden all around.

White dipping sauce (optionally)

  • Heat milk with salt & pepper. Stir in the cream cheese.

Serve

  • Serve Coxinhas with a fresh salad and a dipping sauce.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Variations
  • Substitute chicken with:
    • any ground meat or
    • mixed vegetables and chopped mushrooms or
    • your favorite cheese or
    • a combination of any of these ingredients to taste.
Short version without forming the drumstick-balls:
  • Skip the dough, breading, and frying.
  • Add 1 cup heavy cream to the filling. Serve the sauce over rice, noodles, or potatoes.
Greek Spanakopita

Greek Spanakopita

Greek
Spanakopita

A Trio of Cheese, Greens, and Dough

Greek spanakopita is a delectable savory pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, enveloped in delicate layers of phyllo dough. It is a beloved dish in Greece, commonly enjoyed as both an appetizer and a main course.

Our recipe provides versatile options, allowing for variations that cater to vegan, lactose-free, or gluten-free preferences.

Spanakopita Spice Blend

Oregano, dill weed, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, dill seed, mint, chilies, nutmeg

Greek Spanakopita

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Ingredient Mix & Match Cheat Sheet

Greek Spanakopita - Mix & Match
For your convenience, we have prepared a cheat sheet to assist you in selecting your desired ingredients for the recipe. Take a look below to discover how you can effortlessly combine and customize the components to craft your own personalized meal. To have a handy reference readily available, feel free to download the accompanying image.

Part 1 - The Cheese

Key Ingredient: Feta

Feta cheese is the key ingredient in Greek spanakopita, providing its distinctive texture. The best substitute are cotija or queso fresco.

Cottage cheese is an excellent alternative. However, bear in mind its higher moisture content compared to feta; avoid adding any cream. For added texture, try incorporating grated hard cheese.

For those seeking a vegan and non-dairy substitute, options like vegan feta or firm tofu can offer a similar texture.

Alternatively, if you have a preference for a different type of cheese, we offer a pasta variation for you to try. Kindly note, this version presents a significant departure from the original. Nevertheless, it offers a delightful twist to your dinner repertoire.

Feta
whipped cream

A Little Secret

If you’re looking to make a delicious spanakopita, the feta cheese you find at your local grocery store may be too dry, especially if you opt for crumbled feta instead of a block. But fear not! We have a tip that will ensure your dish is anything but dry.

Simply add a small amount of a different type of cheese, such as whipped cream cheese or cream cheese with whipped heavy cream. Another great option is ricotta. These additions will make a world of difference and take your spanakopita to the next level.

Part 2 - The Greens

Key Ingredient: Spinach

Spinach is the ideal choice for an authentic spanakopita. Excellent substitutes can be found in the leaves of any type of chard or kale. If you wish to include the stalks as well, an extra step is needed to soften them. Another delightful variation is to incorporate green asparagus or zucchini, if you have the time and desire to experiment further.

baby spinach
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Ikaria - A Greek Island of Longevity and Vibrant Culture

Discover the enchanting Greek island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea, renowned for its exceptional culture and remarkable population of centenarians. Learn about their healthy lifestyle choices and close-knit community that contribute to their longevity. What can we learn from them? Would you abandon your current lifestyle for a potentially longer life on Ikaria?

The island is also famous for its festivals and celebrations. One of the most popular is the Panigiri, which takes place in different villages throughout the summer months. These festivals are a great opportunity to experience traditional Greek music, dance, and food.

See more on our YouTube channel. Carefully selected for you! Plus, on our ‘World Music’ playlist: Greek music & dance live from the Panigiri festivals.

Part 3 - The Dough

Phyllo Substitutes - Up to a Change?

Authentic spanakopita is traditionally made using phyllo dough. As a gluten-free alternative, we highly recommend our almond pie crust. However, if you’re looking to reduce preparation time significantly, you can opt to bake the spanakopita filling on a pizza crust or serve it on a bed of wide egg noodles. These shortcuts can help expedite the process while still providing a delicious result.

Greek Spanakopita with phyllo
pie crust
pizza crust
wide noodles

Enjoy!

Give Greek spanakopita a try and savor its delightful flavors. Once you’re hooked, consider adding it to your regular dinner rotation, experimenting with a unique twist each time. For your convenience, our shop offers a specialized spanakopita spice blend, ensuring you have everything you need to enhance its taste. Stock up now and elevate your spanakopita experience.

Greek Spanakopita

Greek Spanakopita

SpiceBreeze
Greek spanakopita is a savory pastry made with spinach and feta cheese, wrapped in layers of phyllo dough. It is a popular dish in Greece and can be served as an appetizer or main course. Our recipe offers variations to substitute spinach and phyllo dough or make the dish vegan, lactose-free, or gluten-free.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Protein/Dairy

  • 10 oz feta cheese [1] crumbled
  • 6 tbsp whipped cream cheese [2]

Fresh Produce

  • 10 oz spinach [3] roughly chopped
  • 4 green onions sliced

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 20 sheets phyllo dough [4] (9 x 14 inches)
  • olive oil [5]
  • salt [6]

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Oregano, dill weed, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, dill seed, mint, chilies, nutmeg

Suggested Sides

  • ▪ mixed salad with lettuce or cucumber
  • ▪ grilled rosemary lamb chops
  • ▪ grilled or fried chicken pieces

Instructions
 

Option 1: Prepare Spinach, Chard, or Kale Leaves [3]

  • Cook the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds.
  • Scoop the spinach out and transfer it to a strainer.
  • Let it drain while preparing the next step.

Option 2: Prepare Leaves and Asparagus, Zucchini, or Chard or Kale Stalks [3]

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry the vegetables until tender.
  • Start with the asparagus, zucchini, or chard or kale stalks.
  • Add the leaves when the other vegetables are almost tender.

Prepare Filling

  • In a BOWL, mix all the cheese and vegetables with Spanakopita spices and salt to taste [6].

Prepare Phyllo Dough Version (Authentic) [4]

  • Place 10 sheets of phyllo dough into a 9 x 12 BAKING DISH, brushing oil between each layer.
  • Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the phyllo dough.
  • Place 10 more sheets of phyllo dough on top, brushing oil between each layer.
  • Brush the top layer with oil.
  • Cut the pie into 12 pieces.

Bake & Serve

  • Preheat OVEN to 350° F.
  • Bake until golden brown, 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving with your preferred sides.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1]
  • We recommend to buy feta cheese in a block and chop it into small crumble size pieces. The readily-crumbled feta cheese is often very dry.
  • Substitute feta cheese with chopped firm tofu (drain it 30 minutes before using it) or vegan feta.
[2]
  • If only not-whipped cream cheese is available, substitute 2 tbsp cream cheese with 2 tbsp whipped heavy cream.
  • Substitute whipped cream cheese with ricotta or vegan cream cheese.
[3]
  • Optionally, add 5 to 10 oz more spinach.
  • If the stalks of the spinach are not soft, remove them and follow the cooking step option 2. 
  • Cooking Step Option 1 (leaves only): Substitute all or half of the spinach with baby kale, or with the chopped leaves of kale or chard. Remove the stalks before weighing.
  • Cooking Step Option 2: Substitute or mix the spinach with green asparagus, zucchini, or the stalks of chard or kale. Chopped them in bite-size pieces. Recommended amounts:
    • 5 oz leaves + 10 oz asparagus or zucchini or stalks
    • 10 oz leaves + 5 oz asparagus or zucchini or stalks
[4] Options to substitute the phyllo dough:
  • Pour the filling into a pie crust. (gluten-free recipe)
  • Spread the filling on a pizza crust.
  • Cook 12 oz wide egg noodles. Drain. Place them into the baking dish. Spread the filling on top. Bake as directed for the phyllo dough.
[5] Substitute olive oil with melted butter or any vegetable oil.
[6] Be careful with the salt. Check the mixture first.
Ghanaian Grill Suya

Ghanaian Suya BBQ for Meat or Vegetables

Ghanaian
Suya BBQ

African Marinade for Meat or Vegetables

Suya is a popular grilling spice blend in West African cuisine, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. Use it with meat or vegetables.

For the authentic seasoning, add ground peanuts and chilies to taste.

Suya Spice Blend
Ginger, garlic, onion, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves
Ghanaian Grill Suya

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Ghanaian Grill Suya

Ghanaian Suya BBQ for Meat or Vegetables

SpiceBreeze
Suya is a popular grilling spice blend in West African cuisine, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. Use it with meat or vegetables. For the authentic seasoning, add ground peanuts and chilies to taste. In any case, you can enjoy the bold suya flavor with our suya spice blend. The chutney blend is hot. Use it to taste or double the ingredients for less heat.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ghanaian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Suya BBQ

  • 1.5 lbs grill meat [1]
  • 12 skewers [2] (optionally)
  • 1-2 tsp ground peanuts (optionally)
  • 1-2 tsp chili powder (optionally)

Suya Culinary Spice Kit

  • Ginger, garlic, onion, black pepper, nutmeg, cloves

Chutney

  • 10 oz mango flesh [3]
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 bell pepper [4]
  • 1/2 cup sugar [5] (or less to taste)
  • 1/2 cup vinegar [6]

Chutney Culinary Spice Kit

  • Garlic, coriander, cinnamon, onion, cumin, turmeric, curry leaves, fenugreek, cilantro, ginger, yellow mustard, cardamom, black pepper, chilies, bay leaves, nutmeg, cloves

Instructions
 

Suya BBQ

  • Cut meat or substitute into slices or strips, about 0.5 inches thin.
  • If using strips, thread them on skewers [2].
  • In a CONTAINER, mix Suya spices with 2 tbsp oil.
  • Optionally, add ground peanuts and/or chilies to taste.
  • Add meat or substitute.
  • Let it marinate for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Grill meat or substitute or fry it in hot oil.

Chutney

  • Chop mango and bell pepper into bite-size pieces.
  • In a small POT, add all ingredients with Chutney spices (all or to taste) and 1/2 cup of water. Mix well.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Cook without a lid for 20 to 40 minutes over low heat until the ingredients are tender and the chutney thickened.
  • Occasionally, check if there is enough liquid. If necessary, add 1 tbsp of water at a time.
  • Serve Suya BBQ with chutney and a selection of sides.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1]
  • Any grill meat works well that can be cut into slices or strips.
  • Or substitute meat with eggplant, zucchini, or firm tofu.
[2] If using wooden skewers, soak them for 30 minutes in water.
[3] Substitute mango with peaches or pineapples.
[4] Recommended color for the bell pepper: red, orange, or yellow.
[5] Recommended is brown sugar. But white sugar works too.
[6] Any of these works: apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or similar.
Cajun Blackened Fish

Cajun Blackened Fish

Cajun Blackened Fish

Cajun Blackened Fish

SpiceBreeze
Our new Cajun blend is tailored to prepare a blackened fish or poultry. Blackening seals the juice in the fish or meat in the seasoning crust. Use an outside grill to avoid a kitchen filled with smoke. However, blackening is not required to make a delicious dinner with this Cajun blend. Traditional frying works great as well.
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb fish filet salmon, halibut, sea bass, catfish, or haddock

Fresh Produce

  • 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon quartered

Dairy

  • 1 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
  • butter

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • olive oil
  • vegetable oil
  • salt & pepper

Blackened Culinary Spice Kit

  • Paprika, garlic, yellow mustard, onions, black peppercorns, oregano, cumin, cayenne, thyme, bay leaves, celery seeds

Suggested Sides

  • ▪ green asparagus or endives steamed
  • ▪ coleslaw or green lettuce salad
  • ▪ pearl couscous, orzo pasta, or rice
  • ▪ sweet potatoes cooked or baked

Instructions
 

Asparagus

  • In a POT, heat  1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add 1 tbsp butter, garlic, and asparagus.
  • Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Flip the asparagus occasionally.
  • Scoop the asparagus out and keep it warm.

Sauce

  • In the same POT, careful of splatters, add 1 cup of water, parmesan, and salt & pepper to taste.
  • Mix well and bring to a boil.
  • Turn off. Keep warm.

Fish

  • Season fish with Blackened spices and salt to taste.
  • In a PAN, heat 1 tsp vegetable oil (not olive oil!) to smoking hot.
  • Stir in 2 tbsp of butter. Add fish.
  • Flip the fish when one side is blackened.
  • Lower the heat if the fish needs more time to cook through.
  • Serve the fish with lemon, asparagus with sauce, and your selected additional side/s.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

▪ Alternatively, fry the fish over medium heat.
▪ Substitute the fish with chicken breast pounded down to 0.5-inch thickness.

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Turkish Lahmacun

Turkish Lahmacun

Turkish Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun

Turkish
Lahmacun

Turkish Pizza in a Pan
The pizza-style lahmacun, or lahmajoun, or translated “meat on dough” is popular in the Eastern Mediterranean region from Lebanon to Turkey.

The crust has a thin crispy-soft texture from the stone oven. Our recipe is an equivalent shortcut baked on store-bought tortilla.
Lahmacun Spice Blend

Paprika, Turkish pepper (mild Marash & Urfa, crushed with oil and salt), anardana (pomegranate), oregano

Turkish Lahmacun

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Lahmacun Ingredients Overview

Turkish Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun
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Turkish Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun
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Urfa, Turkey
Turkish Lahmacun
Lahmacun Spice Blend
  • paprika powder
  • Turkish Marash pepper flakes
  • Turkish Urfa pepper flakes
  • tart anardana (pomegranate) (ground)
  • oregano leaves
Turkish Lahmacun
Lahmacun Blend to Season for Vegetable Dishes
Turkish Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun
Turkish Lahmacun

Turkish Lahmacun

SpiceBreeze
The pizza-style lahmacun, or lahmajoun, or translated "meat on dough" is popular in the Eastern Mediterranean region from Lebanon to Turkey. The crust has a thin crispy-soft texture from the stone oven. At home, it's traditionally baked in a pan without oil. The meat infused with summer vegetables creates a refreshing juicy topping. Enjoy lahmacun rolled up with or without salad filling.
Hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 3 servings

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb lamb or beef [1] ground

Fresh Produce

  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic optional
  • 1 bunch parsley [2]
  • 1 1/2 bell pepper 1/2 green, 1 red [3]
  • 1-2 lemons for juice

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 2-4 tbsp tomato paste unflavored
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt & pepper
  • 12 (gluten-free) tortilla wraps [4] 8-inch

Suggested Toppings [5]

  • 1 lettuce of your choice chopped
  • 1-2 tomatoes sliced
  • 1 large onion halved & thinly sliced
  • 1 cup (vegan: cashew) yogurt plain

Lahmacun Culinary Spice Kit

  • Paprika, Turkish pepper (mild Marash & Urfa, crushed with oil and salt), anardana (pomegranate), oregano

Instructions
 

Seasoning Paste Step 1 - Option 1: Blend Fresh Produce with Food Processor

  • Ingredients needed in this step: onions, cloves garlic, parsley, bell pepper
  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, blend onion and garlic into a paste.
  • Add parsley and bell peppers and chop coarsely. Make sure that some tiny pieces are still visible.

Seasoning Paste Step 1 - Option 2: Chop Fresh Produce without Food Processor

  • Ingredients needed in this step: onions, garlic, parsley, bell pepper
  • Grate onion and garlic, and finely chop parsley and bell peppers.

Seasoning Paste Step 2 - Mix with Remaining Ingredients

  • Ingredients needed in this step: seasoning paste from step 1, oil, tomato paste, spices
  • In a BOWL, add seasoning paste from step 1.
  • Stir in 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tbsp tomato paste.
  • Add Lahmacun spices, salt (1.5 tsp recommended), and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
  • Add meat and knead well.

Resting Time

  • Let the meat mixture rest for 15 minutes.
  • If the liquid is not full absorbed, add more tomato paste.

Spread Meat Mixture onto Tortilla

  • On each tortilla, distribute about 2 tbsp of the meat mixture thinly up to the very edges.

Bake Option 1: in PAN (without oil)

  • Bake in a medium hot PAN (without oil) until the meat topping is cooked.
  • Repeat until all lahmacuns are prepared.

Bake Option 2: in OVEN - Preheat to 325°F

  • Bake in the OVEN (on parchment paper) until the meat topping is cooked.
  • Repeat until all lahmacuns are prepared.

Tip

  • To keep the lahmacuns warm until all are done, place the 2nd cooked lahmacun face down on top of the 1st one, the 3rd face up on top. Repeat.

Serve

  • Sprinkle lemon juice to taste on your lahmacun and add the toppings of your choice.
  • Roll up and enjoy!

Notes

[1] Substitute lamb with any other ground meat.
Substitute meat with 2 cups of cooked lentils or bulgur.
[2] Optionally, substitute or mix with fresh cilantro.
[3] Optionally, substitute with bell pepper in a different color, for instance, orange, yellow.
[4] A thin pizza crust is more authentic if it's available.
[5] More topping options:  thinly sliced red or green cabbage, rucola, ranch dressing, flat parsley