Lahm bi ajeen is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is enjoyed by many. It is essentially a meat pie that is made with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. The meat mixture is spread on a soft dough and baked to perfection. The result is a crispy, savory treat that is perfect for any occasion.
To make it, you will need a few key ingredients. For example, ground beef, onions, tomatoes, seven spices, salt, black pepper, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and an egg. For the dough, you will need bread flour, active dry yeast, white granulated sugar, warm milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Once you have all of the ingredients, you can begin making the dough and preparing the meat mixture.
Making this dish is a fun and rewarding process that is perfect for anyone who loves to cook. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner, this dish is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?
History of Lahm Bi Ajeen
Lahm bi ajeen is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has been around for centuries. Its origin can be traced back to the Levant region, which includes modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The dish has many variations, but the basic recipe consists of a thin layer of dough topped with a mixture of ground meat, onions, tomatoes, and spices.
The name translates to “meat with dough” in Arabic. It is believed that the dish was created as a portable meal for travelers and soldiers. The flatbread was easy to carry and the meat filling provided a good source of protein.
Over time, it became a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Each country has its unique spin on the dish. In Lebanon, for example, the dough is often made with yogurt, which gives it a tangy flavor. In Iraq, the meat mixture is seasoned with sumac, a spice that adds a lemony flavor.
Today, it can be found in Middle Eastern restaurants around the world. It is a popular street food in many countries and is often served with a side of pickled vegetables or a yogurt dip. Its delicious flavor and portability have made it a favorite among people of all ages and backgrounds.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing lahm bi ajeen with other dishes, there are a few options that come to mind. Here are some of my favorite pairing suggestions:
- Tabbouleh Salad: This refreshing salad is a great complement to the rich and savory flavors of this dish. Tabbouleh is made with chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur wheat, and is dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The bright and zesty flavors of the salad help to balance out the richness of the meat pies.
- Hummus: Another classic Middle Eastern dish that pairs well with it is hummus. The creamy and tangy hummus is a great contrast to the meaty and savory pies.
- Fattoush Salad: Fattoush is a Lebanese salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, radish, and crispy pita chips. The salad is dressed with tangy sumac and lemon dressing, which pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of lahm bi ajeen.
- Labneh: Labneh is a creamy and tangy Middle Eastern yogurt cheese that is often served as a dip or spread. It pairs well with this meat pie because the tangy and creamy flavors help to cut through the richness of the meat pie.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 large tomato, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of seven spices
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of pomegranate molasses
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 egg
The Dough:
- 3 cups of bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of white granulated sugar
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
How to Make Lahm Bi Ajeen?
- First, combine yeast, sugar, and warm milk in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Now, put flour, the rest of the milk, and salt into the yeast mixture. Use the dough hook on your stand mixer to mix on low. Add oil gradually and increase speed until it’s all mixed. However, if it’s sticky, add flour, a spoon at a time. If it won’t combine, add milk, a spoon at a time. You can also knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer.
- When the dough’s done, sprinkle a bit of flour in a bowl and put the dough in it. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it gets bigger. After about an hour, split the dough into 12 balls. Cover them with the towel again and let them rise more for 30-45 minutes. (I made 18, 12 were 4-inch, and 6 were 6-inch pies).
- As the dough rises, chop a big onion and tomato finely. Put them in a medium bowl with the ground beef. Add spices, pomegranate molasses, and lemon juice. Mix well with your hands. If you like it spicy, add a chopped chili or ground chili! (Optional)
- Heat your oven to 425 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- There are different ways to shape the meat pies, but the simplest is like making a pizza. On a floured surface, roll the dough balls to 6 inches wide. Put them on a baking sheet. Take some meat filling and spread it thinly on the dough, covering it all. Another way is to make 4-inch circles. Put around 2 tablespoons of meat in the center, leaving some space around the edges. Fold the dough over the meat and pinch the sides closed. You can also add a few pine nuts in the middle if you like. (Optional)
- Beat an egg nicely. Use a pastry brush to paint the top of the folded pies for a lovely golden color when baked. Then, bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown.
Regional Variations
As with many dishes, this dish has regional variations that reflect the cultural and culinary diversity of the Middle East. Here are a few of the most popular variations:
Lebanese Style
The Lebanese style is perhaps the most well-known version of the dish. The dough is typically made with a combination of flour, yeast, water, and sometimes milk. The meat mixture is made with ground beef or lamb, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a variety of spices such as allspice, cinnamon, and cumin. The Lebanese-style pies are often served with a side of yogurt or a salad.
Armenian Style
The Armenian style is similar to the Lebanese version but with a few key differences. The dough is typically made with a combination of flour, yeast, water, and sometimes milk, but it is often thinner and crispier than Lebanese-style dough. The meat mixture is made with ground beef or lamb, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a variety of spices such as paprika and red pepper flakes. The Armenian-style pies are often served with a side of pickled vegetables.
Syrian Style
The Syrian style is similar to the Lebanese and Armenian versions but with a few unique touches. The dough is typically made with a combination of flour, yeast, water, and sometimes milk, and it is often flavored with nigella seeds. The meat mixture is made with ground beef or lamb, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a variety of spices such as allspice, cinnamon, and cumin. The Syrian-style pies are often served with a side of tahini sauce.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving lahm bi ajeen, there are many options to choose from. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or as an appetizer at big dinners or parties. Here are a few serving suggestions that I recommend:
1. Yogurt
One of the most popular ways to serve it is with a side of yogurt. The cool and creamy texture of the yogurt complements the spiciness of the meat and the crunchiness of the dough. You can either serve the yogurt on the side or spread it over the pies before rolling it up.
2. Salad
Another great way to serve it is with a side salad. A simple salad of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions dressed with lemon juice and olive oil pairs perfectly with the meaty and spicy flavor of the meat pies.
3. Pickles
For a tangy and crunchy side dish, consider serving the pies with pickles. You can either serve store-bought pickles or make your own by pickling cucumbers, carrots, or turnips in vinegar and spices.
4. Hot Sauce
If you like your food spicy, consider serving it with a side of hot sauce. You can either use store-bought hot sauce or make your own by blending chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar.
5. Tea
Finally, to balance out the spiciness of the pies, consider serving it with a cup of hot tea. Mint tea or black tea with a dash of sugar pairs perfectly with the savory and spicy flavor.
Storing and Preservation Tips
When it comes to storing and preserving Lebanese meat pies, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you keep your leftover pies fresh and tasty:
- Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the oven, air fryer toaster, or microwave.
- Freezing: If you have more pies than you can eat within 4-7 days, you can freeze them for later. Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, defrost them in the fridge overnight and then reheat them in the oven or toaster.
- Avoid moisture: To prevent your pies from getting soggy, avoid stacking them on top of each other or wrapping them in damp paper towels. Instead, store them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap.
- Label your pies: If you’re freezing your pies, it’s a good idea to label them with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in the freezer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lahm bi ajeen is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. As I have explored in this article, the dish consists of a thin crispy dough topped with a flavorful meat mixture. The meat mixture is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and spices such as cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, salt, and curry powder.
One of the great things about it is its versatility. It can be served as a main dish or cut into smaller pieces and served as an appetizer. It is often served at parties and gatherings due to its popularity and ease of preparation.
If you are looking to try something new and delicious, I highly recommend giving it a try. There are many variations of the dish, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and ingredients to find the perfect flavor for you.
Overall, I hope that this article has given you a better understanding of lahm bi ajeen and has inspired you to try this delicious Middle Eastern dish for yourself.
As already mentioned, hummus is a great pairing with these pies.
Get this spicy hummus recipe now (by clicking the image below):
