Lahm Bi Ajeen Recipes

LAHM BI AJEEN / SFIHA

Steps:

• Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, start by placing the flour, sugar, nigella seeds and salt into the mixing bowl and mix on low for a few seconds to combine.
• Meanwhile place the instant yeast in a bowl with 1 cup of warm water (from the 3 cups total) and allow to dissolve (make sure the water is not really hot).
• Add the oil to the dry ingredients and combine on medium speed, until the oil is fully incorporated, which should take a few minutes.
• Then add the water and yeast mixture and continue to mix on medium speed.
• Slowly and gradually add the yogurt plus the 2 remaining cups of water and continue to knead for at least 5 to 7 minutes.
• The dough is ready when it feels moist but not too sticky and starts to come away from the bowl. If it feels dry add a bit more water and if it's too moist add a bit of flour. A moist dough will yield a soft texture which is what you're looking for.
• Using oil, bring the dough together into a ball, cover with cling film and a tea towel and allow it to rise for at least an hour.
• Pro tip: To cut down the time for the dough to rise, fill a mug with water and heat it in the microwave until it starts to steam. Turn off the microwave, keep the mug inside and place your dough inside and close the door. This will create a moist environment and allow the dough to rise faster!
• Preheat your oven to 450F and start by finely dicing the onion and parsley.
• Then combine all the ingredients under "for the filing" together and mix very well by hand. To try it and adjust seasoning you can cook off a small piece and taste.
• Once mixture is well combined and the dough has risen, start by rolling out the dough either into medium sized circular shapes (as pictured) or for a faster option, roll to the size of a large rectangular sheet.
• Make sure you roll dough using a lightly floured surface and rolling pin to a really thin layer.
• Lightly flour the pans and lay the dough on the pan carefully.
• Spoon the meat mixture on the dough and spread into a thin layer using your hands, ensuring you go all the way up to the edges, and ensuring the filing layer is not too thick.
• Place it in the oven at 450F on bake for approx 7-10 mins. Watch closely and check for when the bottom is cooked through, then transfer to top rack to broil for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully cooked.
• Enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and a cup of tea!

LAHME BI AJEEN/ MEAT IN PASTRY

Steps:

• Cut puff pastry into 9 squares. On a floured surface, roll each piece as thin as possible. (Make sure there is plenty of flour on the board before rolling the pastry.).
• Saute the nuts just until golden.
• Take nuts out of pan and set aside.
• Saute the onion in oil until transparent (regular or olive oil is fine.).
• Add meat and cinammon and cook for 15 minutes.
• Drain meat mixture into a cup or bowl.
• Add the nuts to meat mixture.
• Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture onto the middle of the pastry and fold the bottom up and the top down over some of the filling. Fold the sides in to the middle and overlap a bit.
• Grease the pan with some of the reserved oil from the meat. Place sandwiches seam side down onto the pan. Rub the tops with some of the remaining oil.
• Place in oven on 400 for about 10 minutes. Check frequently to prevent them from burning.
• Take out of oven and cool slightly before enjoying.

LAHEM B'AJEEN

Steps:

• Pour packet of yeast into a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of warm water, then stir in the sugar. Let sit in a warm place for 10 minutes, until the top is foamy. Add the oil, and gently stir.
• Mix flour and salt together by sifting into a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture. Mix again. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water and mix until it is too difficult to stir. Then begin to knead the dough with your hands until it forms a sticky ball. Place the ball of dough on a lightly floured, preferably wooden, surface and knead a good 15 minutes until it is soft and elastic. If needed sprinkle surface with *small* amounts of flour to prevent sticking.
• Place dough in a clean large bowl and cover with a towel. Allow to sit in a warm place until doubled in size, about an hour.
• Put the ground meat in a large bowl and add the oil. Blend the two together by mashing with a fork. Add the remaining topping ingredients, except the pine nuts, and continue to mash with the fork.
• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal balls. Working with one ball at a time, roll the dough out on a floured work surface with a floured rolling pin until it is about 1/16" thick. Using an empty inverted 1 lb coffee can, cut out individual circles of dough and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
• Spread a heaping tablespoonful of the meat evenly over each circle of dough, spreading close to the edge and press down firmly with a fork to flatten it. Sprinkle with 1 tsp pine nuts.
• Place sheet into a hot oven on the lowest rack for 10 minutes. Transfer to the top rack for 15 minutes.