Arabia

This is what I had planned to eat last night.



Lahma bi Ajeen is a flatbread based snack found in all parts of the Arab world traditionally using ground meat and spices as a topping. Although it's usually cooked in an oven like pizza these days it would originally have been cooked over coals rather as people have taken to doing with barbecue grill pizzas these days. The first side is cooked over the heat, then the bread is flipped and the toppings added while the second side cooks.

I cooked mine in the oven and instead of meat I used a mixture of finely cubed and fried aubergine mixed with braised tofu skins, but you could add crumbled tempeh or block tofu if you prefer. Seasoning should include garlic, cumin seed and plenty of green herbs like parsley and coriander.

Using your favourite pizza dough form small circles and top with your chosen flavours, then cook in a very hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. If you form very small discs of dough this makes a nice appetiser or cocktail snack.