Description
Lahmajeen fatayer are crispy yet fluffy, thin Middle Eastern meat pies topped with a flavorful mix of seasoned minced beef, veggies, and spices. These delicious pies, also known as lahmacun, sfeeha, or pide, make a perfect appetizer, snack, or breakfast!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and diced
- 2 to 3 teaspoons Aleppo pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (optional)
For Assembly:
- Milk or heavy cream (for brushing dough)
- Additional flour (as needed)
Instructions
- Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, instant yeast, lukewarm water, sugar, olive oil, and plain yogurt. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until soft and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add more flour if needed. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Make the Beef Filling
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, red bell pepper, tomatoes, parsley, garlic, jalapeños, Aleppo pepper, chili powder, cumin, coriander, allspice, salt, black pepper, onion powder, tomato paste, and pomegranate molasses (if using). Mix well and set aside. - Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, flour them generously. Roll each ball into a thin circle, then spread a layer of beef filling over the dough, pressing gently. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush edges with milk or heavy cream. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the lahmajeen fatayer cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad!
Notes
- You can substitute ground lamb for the beef for a more traditional flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapeños or Aleppo pepper.
- Serve with yogurt or a side salad for a refreshing contrast to the savory filling.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meat pie
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg