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Laham b’Ajeen — Miniature tamarind minced meat pies

 

November 30th 2011

Contributed by: Poopa Dweck

 

 

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Recipe

Laham b’Ajeen — Miniature tamarind minced meat pies

The main ingredient the laham b’ajeen’s sauce is tamarind concentrate, or temerhindi (also called oot in Arabic), which came to Aleppo via India and Persia in the 7th century. Despite its travels, the entire Middle East uses pomegranate concentrate instead. “The exclusive use of tamarind is by the Aleppians.

Times

  • Ready Time : 0 min

Servings

30 pies

Ingredients

    Dough:

    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ½ package dry yeast, dissolved in ¼ cup warm water
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional)
    • 1 cup warm water

    Meat Topping:

    • 2 pounds ground beef
    • 3 onions, finely chopped and wrung dry (1 ½ pounds)
    • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
    • Juice of 2 lemons (about 6 tablespoons)
    • 2 cups temerhindi (see Note above)
    • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
    • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

    Directions

    1. To make the dough, combine flour and salt. Add dissolved yeast and mix well. Add oil, if desired, and mix again.
    2. Gradually add warm water, kneading until a soft dough is formed. Cover with clean linen towel and let rest in warm place for 1 hour.
    3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    4. To make topping, combine beef, onion, tomato paste, lemon juice, ouc, allspice, and salt. Mix well.
    5. Retrieve the dough and separate into four pieces. Roll each dough segment as thinly as possible.
    6. From the dough, cut into small rounds, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
    7. Place the rounds on baking trays that have been brushed generously with oil. Spread a heaping tablespoon of meat filling on each round, pressing firmly. Bake pies for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

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    Poopa Dweck is the author of Aromas of Aleppo, and expert on Aleppian Jewish cookery and the creator of Deal Delights cookbooks. A highly active community leader, she frequently lectures and performs cooking demonstrations. She is also the founder of the Jesse Dweck City Learning Center and Daughters of Sarah and the cofounder of the Sephardic Women’s Organization. Dweck lives in Deal, New Jersey, with her husband, and has five children.

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