Fried Lahme Bread (Lahmacun-Style Flatbread)
A crispy, savory Middle Eastern treat featuring spiced ground meat spread thinly over pita bread and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- •4 large pita breads
- •1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
- •1 small yellow onion, finely grated
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •1 tablespoon tomato paste
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- •Salt and black pepper to taste
- •4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the spices are well incorporated.
- 2
Take one pita bread and spread a very thin, even layer of the meat mixture all the way to the edges. Ensure the layer is thin so the meat cooks through quickly.
- 3
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- 4
Place the pita in the skillet, meat-side down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat is browned and slightly caramelized.
- 5
Carefully flip the pita over and cook the bottom side for another 2 minutes until the bread is crispy and golden.
- 6
Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining pitas, adding more oil as needed.
- 7
Slice into wedges and serve hot with a side of fresh lemon wedges or a simple cucumber salad.
💡 Chef tips
- For an extra crispy texture, use a thin pita bread rather than a thick, fluffy one.
- You can prepare the meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.
- If the meat is browning too fast before it is cooked through, lower the heat slightly and cover the pan for the first minute of cooking.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust with a savory, aromatic meat layer that is fragrant with warm spices and fresh herbs.