Authentic Lebanese Lahm Bi Ajin Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of ground beef
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
4 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses
1 handful of fresh parsley, chopped
1 package of dough (about 500 grams)

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (around 392 degrees Fahrenheit).
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper.
Add the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the beef mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the tomato paste and pomegranate molasses to the pan. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Cut into small circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. Spread out the mixture slightly, leaving a small border of dough around the edges.
Place the prepared dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are golden brown.
Serve the Lahm Bi Ajin hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Needed to mix the ground beef and other ingredients.
Frying pan - Used to cook the beef mixture.
Cookie cutter or glass rim - Used to cut the dough into small circles.
Baking sheet - Used to place the prepared dough circles for baking.
Parchment paper - Lined on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Knife - Needed to chop the onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for chopping vegetables.
Measuring spoons - Used to measure the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and olive oil.
Spoon - Used to mix the ground beef and stir the beef mixture while cooking.
Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough on a floured surface.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of ground meat, such as lamb or chicken, instead of beef.
Replace the meat with a vegetarian alternative, such as crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein.
Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as adding turmeric, cumin, or mint to the meat mixture.
Try using a different type of dough for the crust, such as puff pastry or whole wheat dough.
Add toppings like sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or grated cheese before baking.
Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the dough.
For a spicier kick, add chopped chili peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Make mini-sized Lahm Bi Ajin by using smaller dough circles and reducing the baking time.
Experiment with different sauces or dips to serve alongside the Lahm Bi Ajin, such as tzatziki or tahini.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses on top of the cooked Lahm Bi Ajin for extra flavor.

Recipe overview

Lahm Bi Ajin is a popular Middle Eastern dish that's often referred to as Lebanese pizza. This savory and delicious dish combines ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices all atop a freshly baked dough. This recipe will guide you step-by-step through preparing and cooking your own Lahm Bi Ajin, from creating the beef mixture to baking the dough. The end result is a dish that's bursting with flavors, with a spicy kick from the cayenne pepper, and the unique tangy sweetness from the pomegranate molasses. It's the perfect appetizer for a party, a great lunch option, or even a fun dinner idea. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in the delightful culinary journey of making Lahm Bi Ajin. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef.
Can I make the dough from scratch? Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can prepare it using a simple bread dough recipe or a pizza dough recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of Lahm Bi Ajin? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Do I have to use pomegranate molasses? Pomegranate molasses adds a unique tangy flavor to the dish, but if you don't have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute it with a combination of lemon juice and sugar.
Can I freeze the prepared Lahm Bi Ajin? Yes, you can freeze the baked Lahm Bi Ajin. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make mini Lahm Bi Ajin? Absolutely! Instead of cutting the dough into circles, you can cut them into smaller shapes or use a smaller cookie cutter to create mini versions of Lahm Bi Ajin.
What can I serve with Lahm Bi Ajin? Lahm Bi Ajin is often served with a side of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce. You can also serve it with a yogurt or tahini-based sauce for dipping.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking sheet - Used to place the prepared dough circles for baking.
Parchment paper - Lined on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Large bowl - For mixing the ground beef and other ingredients.
Frying pan - Used to cook the beef mixture.
Cookie cutter or glass - To cut the dough into small circles.
Flour - Used for dusting the surface while rolling out the dough.

Origin stories

Lahm Bi Ajin, often dubbed as the Middle Eastern pizza, has been a staple in Levantine cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the Ottoman Empire, and the recipe was widely spread across the region during its rule. This savory pastry is widely enjoyed in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, each adding a unique touch reflecting their culinary culture. The name directly translates to "meat with dough", underscoring the dish's simplicity, yet it's the delicate blend of spices and the use of pomegranate molasses that elevate this humble dish to a beloved favorite. Such is the allure of Lahm Bi Ajin, that it has traversed across borders and oceans, finding its place in the menus of fine dining restaurants to the street food carts of bustling cities worldwide.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.