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Lahmajoon 
Missahatz

Flat Lamb Pies (Armenian Pizza) 

450°F Oven
Serves 12

 Lahmajoon
Lahmajoon has been referred to as Armenian pizza. These delicious pies are sold by street vendors in the Middle East rolled and wrapped in waxed paper. Lahmajoon is the Arabic name; in Armenian, it is missahatz (meat bread).

If there is no time to make the dough, split pita rounds are an acceptable substitute.
 
Crust
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1 pkg active dry yeast
1/4 cup melted Crisco
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
 
Meat Topping
1 lb lamb, ground fine
2 cups onion, chopped fine
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
1/2 small bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 small(6oz) can tomato paste
1/2 small(12oz) can whole tomatoes, drained
dash lemon juice
  salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
  1. Mix dough ingredients thoroughly
  2. Knead well until smooth and elastic
  3. Cover and allow to rise 2 to 3 hours or until doubled in bulk.
  4. Prepare meat mixture while dough is rising.
  5. Mix meat ingredients thoroughly in order listed.
  6. After dough has risen, divide into 12 egg-shaped pieces.
  7. Allow to rest 10 minutes
  8. Roll each piece of dough into a circle 6" to 7" in diameter, very thin (less than 1/8" thick)
  9. Spread approx. 1/3 cup of meat mixture thinly on flattened dough, covering entire surface.
  10. Place lahmajoons on a greased baking sheet and bake in 450° F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Notes
Lahmajoons may be baked ahead of time and warmed before serving. Stack in a pan with meat sides facing, refrigerate.