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Embark on a culinary journey to Yemen with Ajeen, a traditional dish that showcases the rich and diverse flavors of Yemeni cuisine. In this article, we'll guide you through preparing Ajeen while sharing insights into its cultural significance.

Exploring Ajeen

Ajeen is more than just a meal it's a reflection of Yemen's culinary heritage. This delectable flatbread is typically served with a savory meat and vegetable topping, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that's adored by Yemenis and food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients You'll Need:

For the Dough:

2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon of instant yeast

1 teaspoon of sugar

1/2 teaspoon of salt

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Warm water (as needed)

For the Topping:

1/2 lb (225g) ground beef or lamb

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon of ground paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

Tahini sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.

Add the vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Gradually add warm water to the mixture, kneading until you have a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Topping:

In a skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Season the meat with ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and cooked through.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and fresh parsley. Cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes soften.

Assembling Ajeen:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin, round flatbread.

Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet and top each one with the prepared meat and vegetable mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the flatbreads are golden brown.

Serve your Ajeen hot, optionally drizzled with tahini sauce for added flavor.

Ajeen: A Taste of Yemeni Tradition

Ajeen captures the essence of Yemen's culinary heritage, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or as a part of a hearty meal, Ajeen is a celebration of Yemeni culture and the joy of savoring traditional dishes.

Experience the unique taste of Yemen by preparing this Ajeen recipe and exploring the cultural significance it holds.