Name: Lebanese Chicken Mince Pizza: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 2 large pizzas (12-14 inches each)
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing; 1 pound (450g) ground chicken; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (optional, but highly recommended!); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Olive oil, for brushing; Optional toppings: Lemon wedges, fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of tahini sauce

Lebanese chicken mince pizza, a culinary fusion that will redefine your pizza nights! Forget the same old pepperoni; we're taking your taste buds on a vibrant journey to the Middle East with this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy-to-make dish. Imagine the aromatic spices of Lebanese cuisine mingling with the comforting familiarity of pizza – it's a match made in foodie heaven.

While pizza itself boasts a rich Italian history, the addition of Lebanese chicken mince introduces a fascinating cultural twist. Lebanese cuisine is renowned for its use of fragrant herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice, creating a symphony of flavors that are both warming and exotic. This particular combination, while not a traditional Lebanese dish, draws inspiration from the popular Lebanese meat pie, "Lahm Bi Ajeen," translating to "meat on dough." It offers a delightful way to experience those beloved flavors in a fun and accessible format.

People adore this Lebanese chicken mince pizza because it's a delightful departure from the ordinary. The chicken mince, infused with those signature Lebanese spices, offers a savory and slightly tangy taste that perfectly complements the creamy cheese and crisp pizza crust. It's also incredibly versatile! You can customize the toppings to your liking, adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes for extra freshness and texture. Plus, it's a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Get ready to experience a pizza that's bursting with flavor and sure to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing

For the Lebanese Chicken Mince Topping (Lahm Bi Ajin Inspired):

1 pound (450g) ground chicken
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (optional, but highly recommended!)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

Olive oil, for brushing
Optional toppings: Lemon wedges, fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of tahini sauce

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old and you'll need to start again with fresh yeast.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy crust!

Preparing the Lebanese Chicken Mince Topping:

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.
Incorporate the Herbs and Spices: Stir in the chopped parsley, mint, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses (if using), cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer and Combine Flavors: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is important for developing a rich and complex flavor profile. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more cayenne for extra heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the topping cool slightly before assembling the pizza. This will prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking steel, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a crispy crust.
Prepare the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half (or into smaller portions for individual pizzas). On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a thin circle or oval, about 12-14 inches in diameter. The thinner the crust, the crispier it will be!
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. If using a pizza stone, you'll need to transfer the pizza from the peel to the hot stone.
Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the edges of the pizza dough with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
Add the Topping: Spread the Lebanese chicken mince topping evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Don't overload the pizza with topping, as this can make it soggy.
Bake the Pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the topping is heated through and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on the pizza, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of tahini sauce (if desired), and lemon wedges for squeezing. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Lebanese Chicken Mince Pizza:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this pizza relies heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh herbs, good quality ground chicken, and flavorful spices.
Don't Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough can result in a tough crust. Knead it just until it's smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise Properly: A proper rise is essential for a light and airy crust. Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: A hot oven is key to a crispy crust. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza.
Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Steel: If you have a pizza stone or baking steel, using it will help create a crispier crust.
Adjust the Spices to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices in the Lebanese chicken mince topping to your liking. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
Experiment with Toppings: While this recipe focuses on the classic Lebanese chicken mince topping, you can experiment with other toppings as well. Consider adding some crumbled feta cheese, sliced tomatoes, or olives.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the pizza dough and the Lebanese chicken mince topping ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store the topping in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake the pizza, simply bring the dough and topping to room temperature and assemble as directed.

Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Version: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken mince mixture for a spicier kick.
Add Cheese: While traditionally Lahm Bi Ajin doesn't have cheese, you can add a sprinkle of mozzarella or feta cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.
Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme in the chicken mince mixture.

Conclusion:

This Lebanese chicken mince pizza isn't just another pizza recipe; it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen! The aromatic spices, the savory chicken, and the fresh toppings combine to create a flavor profile that's both familiar and excitingly different. Trust me, once you've tasted this, you'll be adding it to your regular pizza night rotation. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, I've never met anyone who hasn't raved about it. But what makes this recipe a must-try? It's the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crispy crust, the juicy chicken mince, the creamy yogurt sauce – it all works together in perfect harmony. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make! Don't let the list of ingredients intimidate you; the process is straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. I promise, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen, you can absolutely nail this recipe. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Want to add a little heat? Sprinkle some chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. Craving some extra veggies? Bell peppers, onions, or even some spinach would be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian twist, you could easily substitute the chicken mince with lentils or crumbled halloumi cheese. The possibilities are endless! When it comes to serving, this Lebanese chicken mince pizza is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be the perfect complement to the rich flavors of the pizza. Or, for a more substantial meal, you could serve it with a side of hummus and pita bread. For a truly authentic experience, try serving it with a dollop of labneh (strained yogurt) on top. The tangy labneh adds a wonderful coolness that balances the warmth of the spices. And don't forget the fresh herbs! A sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley adds a burst of freshness that really elevates the dish. I've also found that this pizza is fantastic for parties and gatherings. It's easy to make ahead of time and reheat, and it's always a hit with guests. You can even get everyone involved in the pizza-making process! Set up a pizza-making station with all the ingredients and let your guests create their own personalized pizzas. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a delicious meal together. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this Lebanese chicken mince pizza. I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating and sharing delicious recipes that you'll love. Don't be shy – let me know what you think of this Lebanese chicken mince pizza! Happy cooking!