Lebanese Meat Pie (Sfeeha)

These delicious little “pizzas” can be found throughout the Middle East.  Their slightly tangy flavor goes well with sour cream or yogurt,

Begin by making the dough,  you can use your favorite pizza dough recipe, or the following:

3 Cups Flour

2 1/4 tsp. Yeast

Pinch of sugar

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

1 tsp. Salt

1 Tbs. Dry Milk

1 Cup Warm Water

Mix together dry ingredients, add liquid ingredients and mix until dough forms a ball.  Place dough on lightly floured surface and knead for about 15 minutes or until dough becomes smooth and elastic.  Oil a large glass bowl and place dough inside, flop dough over so both sides are lightly oiled.  cover with a clean dish towel and place in a warm area free of drafts to rise.

While the dough is rising, prepare the meat.

1 pound ground beef or lamb

1 medium onion (diced)

2 cloves (smashed)

1/2 tahini

2 T vinegar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp each – allspice, black pepper, cinnamon

2 tsp sumac (available at middle eastern markets)

2 tap olive oil

1/4 C pine nuts

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, add meat and spices and cook until meat is no longer pink.

Add tahini, vinegar and pine nuts and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat

Oil a cookie sheet.  Pull small balls of dough with oiled hands and flatten them onto cookie sheets.

Place meat mixture on top of dough

Let Sfeeha rest in warm place for about 20 minutes, then bake in hot oven (400 degrees) for about 15 minutes or until dough is lightly browned.

Serve with Greek yogurt or sour cream