8 Minute Lebanese Pizzas (Lahmacun!) evoke a delightful blend of flavors and textures that transport you straight to the heart of the Mediterranean. This quick and easy recipe serves up a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. With its crisp bread, savory minced chicken, and aromatic spices, these pizzas are a great way to indulge your taste buds in less than ten minutes. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to make this mouthwatering dish, ensuring you can whip it up any time you crave something delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

To create your 8 Minute Lebanese Pizzas, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 x ~30cm/12" Lebanese bread (you can use other thin flatbreads as a substitute)
• 125g / 4 oz chicken mince (ground chicken)
• 2 tsp tomato paste, giving a rich, tangy undertone
• 1 tsp Baharat spice mix (aka Lebanese 7 spice), adding depth and warmth
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika (or smoked, for a hint of smokiness)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed, to infuse a bold, aromatic flavor
• 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (reduce if using table salt)
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (coriander or dried oregano can be substituted)
• 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tbsp crumbled Danish feta or goat cheese, for a creamy contrast
• A light drizzle of lemon juice to brighten the flavors
• Dried chili flakes or red pepper flakes, if you like a little heat
• ~1 tbsp toasted pine nuts, chopped, for a delightful crunch (or use pistachios, almonds, or sesame seeds)
• 1 tsp finely chopped parsley (or coriander/cilantro) for garnish.

These ingredients combine to create a harmonious balance of savory, fresh, and crunchy textures with each bite.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Bread

First, trim the Lebanese bread to fit your pan. If you have a large non-stick pan, use scissors if needed to make a single cut along the side of the bread, ensuring it fits comfortably. This step is key to preparing your pizzas correctly!

Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine the chicken mince, tomato paste, Baharat spice mix, sweet paprika, crushed garlic, salt, and parsley. This mix creates a flavorful spread that takes your Lebanese pizzas to the next level. Spread this filling evenly across one side of the bread like you would with peanut butter—don’t be shy, use it all!

Cook the Chicken Side

Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in your preheated pan over high heat. Place the bread in the pan, meat side down, and cook for 90 seconds while pressing down lightly. This helps the meat adhere to the bread and creates some beautiful golden color. Trust us, the crispy texture here will be absolutely worth it!

Crisp the Bread Side

After 90 seconds, use tongs to carefully turn the bread over. You should notice some lovely golden patches on the meat side. Cook for an additional 90 seconds or until the bread is golden and crispy. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat. A perfect balance of crispiness is what you’re aiming for!

Add Toppings and Serve

Once your bread is ready, slide it onto a cutting board. Sprinkle the top with crumbled feta, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and add any additional toppings you prefer, such as chili flakes for heat or pine nuts for crunch. Cut the bread into 8 slices like a pizza, and enjoy the sumptuous flavors!

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of yogurt on top before serving.
• Experiment with your spice mix; you can add sumac for a tangy twist.
• Use a mix of minced meats if desired, such as turkey for a leaner version.
• Feel free to customize the toppings based on what you have available—fresh vegetables, olives, or even different cheeses work well!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These 8 Minute Lebanese Pizzas are perfect for various occasions: casual family dinners, quick lunches, or even as a delightful appetizer at gatherings. Pair them with a fresh salad, a side of tzatziki for dipping, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A nice glass of fresh lemonade complements the dish beautifully!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this scrumptious dish contains approximately 220 calories, with around 10g of protein, 12g of fat, and 18g of carbohydrates. It’s a well-rounded meal that offers protein with a balance of healthy fats, making it a satisfying option for any time of day. Remember to balance your plate with vegetables and fresh produce for a boosted nutrient profile!

Storing Tips & Variations

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy again, simply reheat in a skillet for about 2-3 minutes until heated through. You can freeze uncooked Lebanese pizzas too! Just assemble them without cooking, freeze flat, and once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to your cooking time.

Feel free to try variations by using different types of bread or experimenting with various toppings. You could use ground lamb, beef, or even plant-based mince for a vegetarian option, keeping the same delicious flavors intact.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned to make 8 Minute Lebanese Pizzas, it’s time to get cooking! This delightful recipe offers a speedy meal option that’s bursting with flavor and texture, perfect for any bustling day. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with friends, these Lebanese pizzas are sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you try—happy cooking!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of protein?
   Yes! Ground turkey or even plant-based mince can be substituted for the chicken to suit your dietary preferences.

2. What’s Baharat spice?
   Baharat is a spice blend commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, giving your dish warmth and complexity. You can find it in stores or make your own!

3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
   Substitute the Lebanese bread with gluten-free flatbreads or wraps available in stores.

4. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The filling can be mixed and stored in the fridge for a day, making your meal prep even quicker.

5. What can I serve with this dish?
   Fresh salads, a cucumber yogurt dip, or roasted vegetables complement these pizzas beautifully and add a refreshing touch!

8 Minute Lebanese Pizzas

Quick and easy Lebanese pizzas topped with savory minced chicken and aromatic spices, perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 8 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Lebanese, Mediterranean

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 piece ~30cm/12″ Lebanese bread Other thin flatbreads can be substituted.
• 125 g chicken mince (ground chicken)
• 2 tsp tomato paste Provides a rich, tangy undertone.
• 1 tsp Baharat spice mix Also known as Lebanese 7 spice.
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika Or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
• 1 clove garlic, crushed Infuses a bold, aromatic flavor.
• 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt Reduce if using table salt.
• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley Coriander or dried oregano can be substituted.
• 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Plus more for drizzling.
• 2 tbsp crumbled Danish feta or goat cheese For creamy contrast.
• ~1 tbsp toasted pine nuts, chopped Can substitute with pistachios, almonds, or sesame seeds.
• 1 tsp finely chopped parsley For garnish.
• to taste dried chili flakes or red pepper flakes For heat.
• to taste lemon juice To brighten flavors.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Trim the Lebanese bread to fit your pan. Use scissors if needed to make a single cut along the side of the bread.
2. In a bowl, combine the chicken mince, tomato paste, Baharat spice mix, sweet paprika, crushed garlic, salt, and parsley. Mix well.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across one side of the bread.

Cooking

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a preheated pan over high heat.
2. Place the bread in the pan, meat side down, and cook for 90 seconds while pressing down lightly.
3. Carefully turn the bread over using tongs and cook for an additional 90 seconds or until the bread is golden and crispy.

Serving

1. Once the bread is ready, slide it onto a cutting board and sprinkle with crumbled feta.
2. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and add chili flakes or pine nuts as desired.
3. Cut the bread into 8 slices like a pizza and enjoy!

Notes

For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of yogurt on top before serving. You can also customize toppings as desired.