Vegetarian Pide with Halloumi and Peppers Description:
Pide is a traditional Turkish flatbread shaped like a boat and filled with delicious toppings. This vegetarian version features grilled halloumi, roasted peppers, and fragrant Mediterranean herbs, all baked on a chewy, golden dough. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or sharing as a mezze dish.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time (Dough): 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 pides (serves 2–4) Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
200g halloumi, sliced into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano or za’atar
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped
Optional: 1 egg for brushing (for golden edges)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Gradually add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the sliced peppers and onion until soft and lightly charred (~8 mins).
Season with salt, pepper, and oregano or za’atar.
Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Shape the Pide:
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each into an oval, about 8 inches long.
Place on the baking sheet. Add a layer of sautéed peppers and onion.
Top with strips of halloumi and a drizzle of olive oil.
Fold the edges inward to create a boat shape. Pinch ends to seal.
Brush edges with beaten egg or olive oil for golden color (optional).
4. Bake:
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is melted and slightly browned.
5. Garnish:
Sprinkle fresh parsley or mint on top.
Serve warm with lemon wedges or a side salad.
Nutritional Info (Per 1 Pide):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~350 kcal
Protein ~13 g
Carbohydrates ~38 g
Sugars ~3 g
Fat ~17 g
Saturated Fat ~7 g
Fiber ~3 g
Sodium ~600 mg
Calcium ~250 mg
(Values may vary slightly depending on portion sizes and ingredients.)
Questions & Answers:
Q: Can I use ready-made pizza dough?
A: Yes, store-bought dough works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s rolled thin and shaped properly.
Q: What can I substitute for halloumi?
A: Try feta (crumbled), paneer, or grilled mozzarella. Keep in mind halloumi’s firm texture is unique.
Q: Can this be made vegan?
A: Yes! Use vegan halloumi or tofu and skip the egg wash. The dough is naturally vegan.
Q: Can I freeze the pides?
A: Yes. Parbake them (bake 10 mins), cool, and freeze. Finish baking straight from frozen.
Q: What herbs go well with this?
A: Za’atar, oregano, mint, parsley, basil, or sumac ad
d great flavor.