Lahmahjoon, often referred to as Armenian pizza or Turkish pizza, is a deliciously spiced flatbread topped with a savory mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. It’s a popular street food in the Middle East, known for its thin, crispy crust and flavorful topping that balances rich spices with fresh ingredients. Lahmahjoon is traditionally served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of fresh herbs, making it a perfect meal or snack that is both satisfying and light.
Lahmahjoon Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Topping:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef (or a combination)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, tomatoes, parsley, and garlic.
- Add the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Lahmahjoon:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin, round circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture evenly over each piece of dough, pressing it down slightly.
- Brush the edges with a little olive oil.
- Bake:
- Transfer the prepared lahmahjoon onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the topping is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the lahmahjoon hot, with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. You can also accompany it with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or arugula.
Enjoy your homemade lahmahjoon as a delightful snack or as part of a larger meal!
