Green Lentil - Ground Beef on Pide

(Galacoş - Bayburt, Black Sea Region)

1/2 cup green lentils, soak in water overnight, washed and drained
5-6 tbsp ground beef
1 onion, sliced
1 small tomato, diced
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp crushed tomatoes, canned
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/2 tsp cumin, optional
Salt
Pepper

2-3 pieces of Asian Nan Pita bread or plain pita bread (pide)

1/2 cup creamy Turkish yogurt
2 tbsp butter
Red pepper
Cayenne pepper

Saute the onion and ground beef with butter for 3-4 minutes. Add the lentils and saute for another 4-5 minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients. Leave the lid halfway open and cook for 20-25 minutes at medium-low heat until the lentils soften, stir occasionally.

Cut the Home Made Turkish bread or pide in bite size. Arrange them on the plates. Spread the cooked lentils over the pide/bread pieces. Place a few spoons of strained yogurt on top. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan. When it begins spitting, stir in the peppers and pour over the dish.

Makes 2-3 servings.