Lahmajoun Recipe Meal

LAHMAJOON

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 cup warm water. Allow to stand approximately 5 minutes.
• In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, 3 tablespoons shortening, remaining sugar, remaining water and the yeast preparation. Knead until smooth. Use the remaining shortening to remove any dough sticking to the sides of the bowl, and to remove dough from fingers. Cover with a towel and place in a warm location until doubled in size, about 2 to 3 hours.
• In a medium bowl, mix ground beef, tomatoes, onions, parsley, green bell pepper, salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly flour a large baking sheet.
• On a lightly floured surface, form dough into 12 balls. Separate each ball in half. Roll halves into balls. Place balls on the prepared baking sheet. Allow to stand approximately 10 minutes.
• Roll balls into 7 inch diameter circles. Spread approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons meat mixture over each circle. Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink and dough is lightly browned.

ARMENIAN PIZZA - LAHMAJOUN

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients except tortillas together in a large bowl.
• Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Spread meat mixture thinly on each tortilla.
• Bake on large cookie sheets at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

MAMA'S LAHMAJOON (LAGH-MA-JUN)

Steps:

• For the dough: Bloom the yeast in the warm water for 5 minutes until foam appears. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, then add the sugar and salt, mix with a spatula. Create a well in the center and pour in the oil and the bloomed yeast. Fold together all ingredients until combined.
• Rub hands with a little vegetable oil and knead the dough thoroughly for about 10 minutes the dough should be smooth and thick. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough proof for 2 1/2 hours.
• Once risen, punch it down, divide the dough into 13 egg-sized balls, and roll each by hand. Roll each ball with a rolling pin into 7 or 8-inch diameter cakes, about 1/8 of an inch thick. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• For the meat topping: combine meat, tomato paste, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, mint, and allspice in a bowl.
• In a food processor, pulse onion and fresh garlic until it has a thick-chunky texture, then add to meat mixture. Next add the bell pepper, jalapeno, and parsley to the food processor and pulse just until fine, then add to meat and onion mixture.
• Lastly, add the tomatoes to the food processor, puree, and then add to meat mixture. Mix well by hand or spatula. Let mixture marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for 2 hours.
• Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture, about 2 ounces, on to each cake and place on a lightly oiled sheet pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until meat is cooked through and edges of dough start to brown. To serve, stack the cakes on top of each other in a tower. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top, followed by a dollop of plain yogurt, roll up like a wrap and eat. Repeat with remaining cakes.

FOREVERMAMA'S ARMENIAN LAHMAJOUN PIZZA'S

Steps:

• Heat skillet over medium-high heat, add lamb or combination of lamb and beef to hot skillet. Cook to almost through, breaking up pieces.
• Place meat mixture into a sieve to drain fat.
• To same skillet that beef was cooked in, add oil. To hot skillet add the onions and bell peppers. Stir and cook until onion is translucent and bell peppers are almost browned. Add garlic and cook through until just gold and flavor has been imparted, being careful not to burn garlic. Add drained meat mixture and mix through.
• Stir in can of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add cilantro, basil, mint and all remaining spices. Simmer until it is thickened but not too dry.
• Remove from heat, cool. To meld flavors, it is best to store in refrigerator overnight. I have also used it on the pizza's without the overnight refrigeration.
• Divide each 1 lb dough into 4 equal parts. Roll dough to a 6 - 8 " diameter pizza round. Place dough rounds on greased cookie sheets or stones. Dust with cornmeal or flour.
• Preheat the oven to 425-degrees-Farhrenheit.
• Distribute meat mixture evenly over dough, spreading to the edges.
• Bake for 15 -20 minutes or until cooked through.
• Serve hot or at room temperature.
• These are great with a sprinkling of lemon juice after they've been baked. In Armenia it is typical to top with salad (I like it with arugula) and folding the dough over to form a pocket. My husband's family also tops with sliced American or muenster cheese (after it is baked), folding the dough over taco-style.