Lahm bi Ajeen - Middle Eastern Meat Pies

Lahm bi Ajeen, also known as "Middle Eastern Meat Pies," is a beloved dish that holds a special place in many hearts and kitchens. With a delightful fusion of seasoned ground beef and an array of fresh vegetables and spices, all encased in a perfectly baked dough, this recipe promises a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a family meal or a sumptuous snack, Lahm bi Ajeen is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
🥚 1 egg
🍞 2 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
💧 1 cup warm water
🍯 1 tablespoon sugar
🥄 1 tablespoon olive oil
🛢 1 tablespoon yeast

For the Filling:
🥩 500g ground beef
🧅 1 onion, finely chopped
🍅 1 tomato, finely chopped
🌶 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
🌿 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🌶 1 tablespoon red pepper paste
🍅 1 tablespoon tomato paste
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🍋 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🌶 1 teaspoon black pepper
🌿 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• Add the flour, salt, egg, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
  • Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2- Prepare the Filling:

• While the dough rises, mix the ground beef, onion, tomato, bell pepper, parsley, garlic, red pepper paste, tomato paste, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, salt, pepper, and cumin in a large bowl. Ensure the mixture is well-combined.

3- Assemble the Pies:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Once the dough has risen, divide it into small equal-sized balls.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle using your fingers or a rolling pin, lightly oiling your fingers or the rolling pin to prevent sticking.
• Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto each dough circle, spreading it evenly to the edges.

4- Bake:

• Place the filled dough circles on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

5- Serve:

• Enjoy your Lahm bi Ajeen with fresh parsley, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, sumac onion, and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including dough resting time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Nutritional Information per serving:

• Proteins: 15g
• Fats: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
  Equipment: Mixing bowls, rolling pin, baking sheet

Cooking Tips:

• For an extra crispy crust, ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking.

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Lahm bi Ajeen