Discover how to make Lahm Bi Ajeen, a delicious Lebanese meat pie topped with savory minced meat, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This traditional recipe guides you through preparing this flavorful dish that's perfect as an appetizer or main course. Enjoy a taste of Lebanon with our easy-to-follow Lahm Bi Ajeen recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Dough

- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

- 1 ¼ cups warm water

- ¼ cup olive oil

For the Filling:

- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped

- ¼ cup tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground allspice

- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

- ¼ cup pine nuts (optional)

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

  - Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.

  - Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

  - Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

  - Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the mixture is thickened. If using, stir in the pine nuts.

Assemble the Lahm Bi Ajeen:

  - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls (about 12-15). Roll each ball into a thin round, about ¼ inch thick.

  - Spread a thin layer of the meat filling over each round, leaving a small border around the edges.

  - Place the pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.

Serve:

  - Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade Lahm Bi Ajeen as a delightful snack or main dish!

Nutritional Values:

All-Purpose Flour:

 - 455 calories per cup (120g)

 - 1.2g fat

 - 95g carbohydrates

 - 13g protein

Benefits: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Fortified versions may include added vitamins and minerals.

Olive Oil:

 - 119 calories per tablespoon

 - 13.5g fat (1.9g saturated fat)

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g protein

Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats which support heart health. Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols.

Ground Beef or Lamb:

 - 250 calories per 3.5 oz (100g) cooked

 - 20g fat (8g saturated fat)

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 17g protein

Benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins for muscle maintenance and overall health.

Onion:

 - 44 calories per medium onion

 - 0.1g fat

 - 10g carbohydrates

 - 1g protein

Benefits: Contains antioxidants like quercetin and sulfur compounds, supporting immune health and reducing inflammation.

Garlic:

 - 4 calories per clove (3g)

 - 0g fat

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g protein

Benefits: Rich in allicin, which may support immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular health.

Tomatoes:

 - 22 calories per medium tomato (123g)

 - 0.2g fat

 - 5g carbohydrates

 - 1g protein

Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce cancer risk.

Tomato Paste:

 - 13 calories per tablespoon

 - 0.1g fat

 - 3g carbohydrates

 - 0.6g protein

Benefits: Concentrated source of lycopene and other antioxidants, adds rich flavor with fewer calories.

Ground Cumin:

 - 8 calories per teaspoon

 - 0.4g fat

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0.4g protein

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion and metabolism.

Ground Paprika:

 - 6 calories per teaspoon

 - 0.3g fat

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0.3g protein

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and E, and antioxidants, supporting vision and skin health.

Ground Allspice:

 - 6 calories per teaspoon

 - 0.3g fat

 - 1.5g carbohydrates

 - 0.1g protein

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has been used traditionally to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

Ground Cinnamon:

 - 6 calories per teaspoon

 - 0.1g fat

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0.1g protein

Benefits: May help regulate blood sugar levels and contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.

Pine Nuts (Optional):

 - 100 calories per tablespoon

 - 10g fat

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 2g protein

Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and zinc, supporting heart health and overall well-being.

Fresh Parsley (For Garnish):

 - 1 calorie per tablespoon

 - 0g fat

 - 0.2g carbohydrates

 - 0.1g protein

Benefits: Provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and potentially offering anti-inflammatory effects.