Peinirli: Greek Pizza Boats

Peinirli (pronounced pee-nir-LEE) are traditional Greek open-faced pizza boats made with fluffy homemade dough, herbed oil, and your favorite toppings. Whether you make them big or small, they're perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties—and they pair beautifully with a warm bowl of creamy roasted tomato soup!
Ingredients
- 3 cups lukewarm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups (790 g) bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or your favorite herb)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup crushed or puréed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2–3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups (or more) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3–4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine...: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine lukewarm water, yeast, sugar, and all-purpose flour. Let sit for 15 minutes until a foamy cloud appears.
- 2
In another bowl, whisk together bread flour, salt,...: In another bowl, whisk together bread flour, salt, and oregano.
- 3
Add dry ingredients and olive oil to the...: Add dry ingredients and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead by mixer for 8–10 minutes or by hand for 12–15 minutes.
- 4
Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover, and let...: Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in volume. (Dough can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.)
- 5
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium...: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
- 6
Add garlic, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir for...: Add garlic, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds.
- 7
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- 8
Stir in tomatoes and oregano. Simmer until thickened,...: Stir in tomatoes and oregano. Simmer until thickened, 10–15 minutes.
- 9
Stir in chopped parsley and set aside.
- 10
In a bowl, combine crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella,...: In a bowl, combine crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, grated garlic, scallions, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley.
- 11
Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a...: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
- 12
Punch down the dough and divide into 5–6...: Punch down the dough and divide into 5–6 pieces for large boats (or more for smaller ones).
- 13
On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece...: On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into an oval about 10–12 inches long and 6–7 inches wide.
- 14
Brush with herbed oil. Sprinkle feta along the...: Brush with herbed oil. Sprinkle feta along the edges, fold and roll the sides inward to create a crust.
- 15
Place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Fill the...: Place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Fill the center with the beef topping or cheese mixture (or mix and match!).
- 16
Brush the crust edges with herbed oil.
- 17
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and...: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra scallions and serve hot!
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from dimitrasdishes.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on dimitrasdishes.com