Discover the delicious flavors of Lahm Bi Ajeen, a traditional Lebanese meat pie that combines a savory blend of minced meat, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through creating a perfect, crispy crust and a flavorful topping that will impress your family and friends. Ideal for a savory snack or a satisfying meal, Lahm Bi Ajeen brings a taste of Lebanon to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

- For the Dough:

 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 cup warm water

 - 2 tbsp olive oil

 - 1 tsp sugar

 - 1 tsp active dry yeast

 - 1 tsp salt

- For the Topping:

 - 300g (10 oz) minced lamb or beef

 - 1 large onion, finely chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

 - 1 tbsp tomato paste

 - 1 tsp ground cumin

 - 1 tsp ground coriander

 - 1 tsp paprika

 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon

 - ½ tsp ground allspice

 - Salt and black pepper to taste

 - 2 tbsp olive oil

 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

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

  - In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Topping:

  - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent.

  - Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

  - Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Lahm Bi Ajeen:

  - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 

  - Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle on a floured surface.

  - Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture evenly over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.

  - Place the prepared pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake:

  - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.

Serve:

  - Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Lahm Bi Ajeen warm or at room temperature!

This Lahm Bi Ajeen recipe offers a delicious glimpse into Lebanese cuisine, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a tasty treat.

Nutritional Value

All-Purpose Flour:

   - Approximately 455 calories

   - 13g protein

   - 95g carbohydrates

   - 1g fat

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates and is a source of essential B vitamins for metabolism.

Warm Water:

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Hydrates the body, aids digestion, and supports metabolic processes.

Olive Oil:

   - Approximately 119 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 14g fat (2g saturated)

Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and benefits skin health.

Sugar:

   - Approximately 16 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Provides quick energy; consume in moderation due to its impact on blood sugar levels.

Active Dry Yeast:

   - Approximately 11 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in B vitamins and minerals, aids digestion, and supports energy metabolism.

Minced Lamb or Beef:

   - Lamb: Approximately 250 calories

   - 17g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 20g fat

   - Beef: Approximately 250 calories

   - 26g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 20g fat

Benefits: High in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, supporting muscle health, immune function, and red blood cell formation.

Onion:

   - Approximately 44 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 10g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that support heart health, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.

Garlic:

   - Approximately 4 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Known for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helps lower blood pressure, supports cardiovascular health, and boosts the immune system.

Tomatoes:

   - Approximately 22 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 5g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, supporting heart health, skin health, and providing antioxidant properties.

Tomato Paste:

   - Approximately 13 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 3g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Concentrated source of nutrients, including lycopene, which is linked to reduced cancer risk.

Ground Cumin:

   - Approximately 8 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Aids digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is rich in antioxidants.

Ground Coriander:

   - Approximately 5 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, helps with digestion, and may improve blood sugar levels.

Paprika:

   - Approximately 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function.

Ground Cinnamon:

   - Approximately 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Ground Allspice:

   - Approximately 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion and reduces pain.

Salt:

   - Approximately 2,300 mg sodium (100% of daily recommended intake)

Benefits: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function; should be consumed in moderation to avoid high blood pressure.

Black Pepper:

   - Approximately 6 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains piperine, which enhances nutrient absorption and has antioxidant properties.

Fresh Parsley:

   - Approximately 1 calorie

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supports immune function, bone health, and aids digestion.