Discover how to make Lahm bi Ajeen, a delicious Middle Eastern flatbread topped with minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. This savory dish, often compared to pizza, is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Follow our step-by-step recipe for a delightful taste of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm water

- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

- 1 pound ground beef or lamb

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground paprika

- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Topping:

- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spoon.

- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.

- Stir in the tomatoes, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.

- Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble and Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

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

- Place the rolled dough circles on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

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

- If using pine nuts, sprinkle them over the top.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is cooked through.

- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve:

  - Allow the Lahm bi Ajeen to cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy!

This Lahm bi Ajeen recipe brings the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or main course, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion!

Nutritional Values

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour (3 cups, ~360g)

- Calories: ~364

- Protein: ~10g

- Fat: ~1g

- Carbohydrates: ~76g

- Fiber: ~2.7g

Benefits:

- Provides essential carbohydrates for energy.

- Fortified varieties can offer additional nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Warm Water (1 cup, ~240ml)

- Calories: ~0

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~0g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:Hydrates the dough and helps activate yeast.

Active Dry Yeast (1 packet, ~7g)

- Calories: ~325

- Protein: ~40g

- Fat: ~5g

- Carbohydrates: ~35g

Benefits:

- Helps the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide.

- Contains B vitamins and minerals.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, ~30ml)

- Calories: ~884

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~100g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

- Rich in antioxidants and may support heart health.

Sugar (1 teaspoon, ~4g)

- Calories: ~387

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~0g

- Carbohydrates: ~100g

Benefits:

- Provides a small amount of energy.

- Helps activate yeast.

Salt (1 teaspoon, ~5g)

- Calories: ~0

- Protein: ~0g

- Fat: ~0g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- Enhances flavor.

- Regulates fluid balance and nerve function; use in moderation.

For the Topping:

Ground Beef or Lamb (1 pound, ~450g)

- Calories: ~250

- Protein: ~25g

- Fat: ~20g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Nutritional Values (per 100g) for Lamb:

- Calories: ~250

- Protein: ~25g

- Fat: ~20g

- Carbohydrates: ~0g

Benefits:

- High in protein for muscle maintenance.

- Rich in essential vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc, and iron.

Onion (1 large, ~150g)

- Calories: ~40

- Protein: ~1g

- Fat: ~0.1g

- Carbohydrates: ~9g

- Fiber: ~1.7g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and nutrition.

- Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that support heart health.

Tomatoes (2 large, ~250g)

- Calories: ~18

- Protein: ~1g

- Fat: ~0.2g

- Carbohydrates: ~4g

- Fiber: ~1.2g

Benefits:

- Rich in vitamins A and C.

- Contains lycopene, an antioxidant with potential health benefits.

Garlic (2 cloves, ~6g)

- Calories: ~149

- Protein: ~6g

- Fat: ~0.5g

- Carbohydrates: ~33g

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and potential health benefits.

- Contains allicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~375

- Protein: ~17g

- Fat: ~22g

- Carbohydrates: ~44g

Benefits:

- Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

- May aid digestion and provide antioxidants.

Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~298

- Protein: ~12g

- Fat: ~17g

- Carbohydrates: ~55g

Benefits:

- Adds a citrusy, nutty flavor.

- Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion.

Ground Paprika (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: ~282

- Protein: ~14g

- Fat: ~13g

- Carbohydrates: ~54g

Benefits:

- Adds color and a mild flavor.

- Contains antioxidants and vitamins A and E.

Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon)

- Calories: ~247

- Protein: ~4g

- Fat: ~1g

- Carbohydrates: ~81g

Benefits:

- Adds a sweet, warm flavor.

- Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)

- Calories: ~255

- Protein: ~10g

- Fat: ~3g

- Carbohydrates: ~64g

Benefits:

- Adds a spicy kick.

- May aid in digestion and improve nutrient absorption.

Pine Nuts (2 tablespoons, ~30g, optional)

- Calories: ~673

- Protein: ~14g

- Fat: ~68g

- Carbohydrates: ~14g

Benefits:

- Adds richness and texture.

- Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, ~10g, for garnish)

- Calories: ~36

- Protein: ~3g

- Fat: ~0.8g

- Carbohydrates: ~6g

Benefits:

- Adds fresh flavor and a touch of color.

- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.