Sfiha or Lahm bi ajin - Meat pies

Sfiha or Lahm bi Ajin - Meat Pies

Welcome to the fascinating world of Mediterranean cuisine! Today, I invite you to prepare Sfiha or Lahm bi Ajin together, a delicacy that beautifully blends tradition and exquisite flavor, with deep roots in the culinary culture of the Levant region. These meat pies are not just a snack; they are a true gastronomic experience that will delight your senses. So, let’s get started!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 20 pies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 6 cups of sifted flour
- 2 cups of yogurt (taken out of the fridge in advance)
- 1 cup of oil
- 3 teaspoons of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of warm milk (if using regular yeast)

For the meat filling:
- 3 medium onions
- 1/2 kg ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1/2 cup of oil or margarine
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 3/4 cup of yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
We start by preparing the dough, which will form the base of these delicious pies. In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour with the instant yeast. It’s important to mix well to avoid lumps. Add the salt, then incorporate the yogurt and oil. If you’re using regular yeast, now is the time to add the warm milk.

Practical tip: Make sure the yogurt is not cold, as temperature plays an important role in activating the yeast.

Knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

2. Preparing the Filling
While the dough is rising, we can prepare the filling. Finely chop the onions and sauté them in oil for 5 minutes until they become translucent. Add the ground meat, salt, and spices (allspice, cinnamon, and pepper). Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional detail: Lamb is an excellent source of protein and iron, while onions add vitamins and antioxidants.

Once the meat is cooked, transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool. Then, add the yogurt, tahini, chopped tomatoes, and vinegar, mixing them well.

3. Forming the Pies
After the dough has risen, divide it into small pieces (about 20). Each piece will be rolled out on a floured surface, forming circles about 8 cm in diameter. Then, shape the circles into ovals.

Tip: If you like to experiment, you can add some feta cheese to the meat filling for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Assembling
Grease the baking trays with oil or margarine. Place the formed pies on the trays and put a tablespoon of the meat filling on each. Sprinkle pine nuts on top for an attractive look and a crunchy texture. Let the pies rise in the trays for 10 minutes.

5. Baking
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place the pies in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.

Frequently asked question: How do I know when they are ready? Watch the color; when they turn golden, they are ready to serve!

6. Serving
Sfiha is served warm, alongside yogurt or tahini sauce. This combination adds freshness and a wonderful contrast to the rich filling.

Serving suggestion: You can accompany these pies with a cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil for a complete and healthy dish.

Variations and Suggestions
If you want to diversify your dish, you can try using other types of meat, such as chicken or turkey. Also, for a vegetarian option, try a filling with vegetables or cheese.

Bonus: Any leftover dough can be used to make pies with sheep cheese or hot dog rolls, giving you delicious options at hand.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
One Sfiha pie contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are rich in protein due to the meat, as well as healthy fats from olive oil and tahini.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! Sfiha is not just a dish; it’s a way to create beautiful memories around the table. Enjoy your meal!