Laham Be-Ajeen(Meat On Pasta)
Laham Be-Ajeen offers a delightful combination of tender meat topping on crispy bread disks, infused with Middle Eastern spices, tahini, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for sharing, it appeals to lovers of savory, aromatic flavors and can be served warm or cold for a versatile dining experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the bread dough and let it rise for about one hour according to package instructions.
- Form the dough into disks approximately 2 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick.
- Grease your fingertips with olive oil and press each dough piece into 1/2-inch thick disks.
- Place the dough disks on a lightly greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart and set aside in a warm place.
- In a bowl, mix ground lamb or beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, chopped tomato, tomato sauce, tahini, Middle Eastern spice, and salt.
- Spread one to two tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each dough disk.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a platter.
- Serve warm or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of lamb or beef for a lighter option. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander for extra flavor. If you don't have tahini, Greek yogurt can serve as a substitute for a creamy texture. Ensure the dough rises well before baking for a perfect crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meat-topped disks as a delicious appetizer or snack. They pair well with a fresh salad or a side of yogurt dip. For a complete meal, consider pairing with a light Mediterranean dish like Zucchini Milano or a simple tomato salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they warm through without losing their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Laham Be-Ajeen(Meat On Pasta) contains roughly 282 calories, with 14g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using ready-made?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, a basic pizza or bread dough recipe works well. Just allow it to rise according to your specific recipe's instructions before shaping it into disks.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mix of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein. Season with the same spices for a flavorful filling.
What can I serve with Laham Be-Ajeen?
These meat-topped disks are versatile! Serve them with a dollop of tzatziki or hummus, a fresh cucumber salad, or alongside a warm bowl of Spaghetti Gravy for a unique twist on a Mediterranean meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).