Semsek

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Originating from the region of Urfa, semsek is an Armenian dish made with a smooth, elastic dough that is topped with a meat mixture. Resembling a small pizza, this Armenian specialty usually consists of a thin dough base which is covered with a mixture of ground beef or lamb, onions, plain yogurt, pomegranate juice, pine nuts, spices, and seasonings. Its edges are then carefully crimped inward, and it is fried in a pan on both sides, first with the meat side on the bottom. Semsek is also often shaped into a triangle, with its edges folded over, thereby leaving a part of the meaty center open to ensure the meat cooks through while being baked.