Lahmajoon

The traditional taste of Armenia will be a favorite! These little meat pizzas are usually made with lamb, but beef works just as well.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 270 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 5 tablespoons shortening
• 2 cups warm water
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 (16 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 cup warm water. Allow to stand approximately 5 minutes.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Lightly flour a large baking sheet.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.