Tastes Like Chicken! Recipes
(From Chicken Recipes Compiled Since 1992)

Makmura Pie (Erbil Style)

Category: Middle Eastern

Servings: 6-8

Description: This Erbil-style Makmura Pie is a traditional Kurdish meat pie filled with spiced ground meat, caramelized onions, and herbs, all encased in a tender, golden crust. It’s a celebration dish often served during holidays and family gatherings across northern Iraq. Flaky and rich, it’s perfect warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
• For the Filling
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add olive oil and warm water gradually, mixing to form a smooth, soft dough. Knead for 5–7 minutes, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and cook until translucent.
3. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, pepper, and salt. Cook until well combined and fragrant.
4. Stir in parsley and nuts (if using). Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round or square baking dish.
6. Divide dough in two. Roll out one half and press into the bottom and sides of the dish.
7. Spread the meat filling evenly over the dough.
8. Roll out the second half of the dough and place on top. Seal edges and make a few slits in the top. Brush with beaten egg.
9. Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden brown. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.