Lahm Bi Ajeen/Sfiha

 

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

• ▢1 cup warm water, divided
• ▢1 tsp granulated sugar
• ▢1 package, 2 ¼ tsp Active Dry Yeast
• ▢3 cups all purpose flour
• ▢2 tbsp dry powdered milk
• ▢1 tsp salt
• ▢¼ cup olive oil

Filling Ingredients

• ▢1 lb ground beef
• ▢1 onion, finely diced
• ▢1 tbsp Tomato paste
• ▢1 tbsp pepper paste
• ▢2 tomatoes, finely diced with seeds removed
• ▢1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• ▢½ tsp Salt
• ▢¼ tsp black pepper
• ▢1 tbsp 7 Spice
• ▢½ cup parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

• In a small bowl, add ½ cup warm water, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 package yeast. Mix to combine, then set aside for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to rise.
• In a large bowl, add the 3 cups flour, 2 tbsp powdered milk, and 1 tsp salt and mix to combine.
• Once the yeast has risen, add the water/yeast mixture into the flour mixture along with ¼ cup olive oil.
• Use your hands or an electric stand mixer to knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it comes together smoothly. Add the extra ½ cup of water gradually into the dough as you’re kneading. The dough should easily be able to be formed into a ball when you’re done. If it is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
• Grease a bowl with nonstick spray and add the dough into the bowl. Cover with a towel and place in a warm, dark place for an hour or until it doubles in size.
• While you are waiting, mix all of the filling ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside.
• When the dough has doubled in size, remove the dish towel and begin assembling your Lahm Bi Ajeen (Sfiha). Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Portion the dough out into 10 equal portions. Flour a work surface and use a rolling pin to roll the dough out into circles about ¼" thick. Stab each circle with a fork a few times.
• Portion the filling out into 10 equal portions. Top the dough with the meat mixture, leaving a bit of dough around the edge (similar to a smaller pizza crust).
• Place the assembled Lahm Bi Ajeen (Sfiha) on 2-3 cookie sheets, and place in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, until the dough is completely cooked.
• Turn the oven to a high broil and place the cooked Sfiha/Lahm Bi Ajeen under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the meat is totally brown.
• Remove from the oven and enjoy!