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Middle Eastern Sfiha (Lahm bi Ajeen)

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Soft, golden flatbreads topped with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef, parsley, and onions — these traditional sfiha are bursting with bold, aromatic flavors and make the perfect handheld bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 egg (for brushing)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil. Knead until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 more minutes. Stir in chopped parsley. Let cool slightly.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Divide dough into 8 balls. Roll each into a 5-inch round.
  5. Place on parchment-lined baking trays. Spoon meat mixture into the center, spreading slightly but leaving a border. Brush edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
  7. Serve warm, optionally with lemon wedges or yogurt on the side.

Notes

  • Dough can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight.
  • Pomegranate molasses adds a tangy depth but can be skipped if unavailable.
  • Can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven for convenience.
  • Serve with a side salad or yogurt for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: sfiha, lahm bi ajeen, Middle Eastern flatbread, meat pies, halal snack, ground beef flatbread

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