A #CrazyHealthy way to enjoy lachmagine, meatless. That’s right. A vegan version of these traditional meat pies. This combination of mushrooms and the sweet and tart flavor of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate juice makes a filling that tastes as good as the real thing.
I received free samples of POM Wonderful mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by POM Wonderful and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
What are lachmagine
Lachmagine are a popular Syrian appetizer. They are similar to mini cheese-less pizzas, made with a sweet meat topping instead. If you’ve ever tried them you know two things: one, you’ll want to eat the entire tray and two, they are totally worth the time and effort to make.
This version is a little bit different than any kind you’ve seen before, but just as good as the original version.
Easy to cut shape
An obvious update is the change in shape. To make the process easier, instead of cutting out circles of the dough, we’re baking them as a flatbread. Cutting them into bite sized pieces after they bake. (Alternatively, you could also use frozen mini pizza dough.)
Meat-less lachmagine
Another major difference is that this filling is completely meat-less. Instead of using the traditional ground meat mixture, these are made vegan with a combination of mushroom and onion. But, this vegan version tastes just as good as the real thing. Thanks to the #CrazyHealthy flavor added by a single ingredient. Pomegranates.
Why so wonderful?
The secret ingredient to having these vegan lachmagine recipe taste so much like the real thing is using POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate juice. The juice is boiled down to a syrup like consistency which adds the classic sweet and tart flavors to this dish, without adding sugar. Unlike store bought pomegranate syrups which can have tons of added sugar.
Since POM Wonderful 100% Juice is made from whole pomegranates – including the fruit, pith and rind – it’s full of a unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants. Two whole pomegranates are found in each 8 ounce serving which also contains as much potassium as a medium banana.
Plus research that includes the consumption of 8 oz per day of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice shows beneficial effects on muscle strength, recovery, memory and cognition, microbiome, and more.
The flavors don’t end here
There are more delicious ways to use these ingredients. Mix leftover pomegranate juice into a cold brew iced tea or this Shirley Temple inspired kombucha mocktails.
Another key ingredient in this meat-free spread are mushrooms. Other ways to use them include: raw, in a crunchy Kale Tahini Salad, sautéed in a Mushroom Quinoa Soup, baked into a vegetable kugel or a vegetarian chopped liver mushroom dip.
Mushroom Lachmagine
A vegan version of the mini meat pizza pies known as lachmagine.
Ingredients
Pomegranate Molasses
- 3 cups POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
Dough
- ½ teaspoon yeast (bread machine instant rise)
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Vegan Filling
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped
- 10 ounces baby bella mushrooms, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup + 1½ tablespoons Pomegranate Molasses (recipe below) divided
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Optional Toppings: sliced scallions, shredded red cabbage and pomegranate arils
Instructions
Pomegranate Molasses
- Pour the pomegranate juice into a saucepan along with the cinnamon stick.
- Cook over a medium heat for approximately an hour and fifteen minutes, until the juice becomes thick and syrup like. Depending on the size of the pan you use and the temperature on your stove top the amount of time this takes may vary. (Note: if using a frying pan, you'll likely need to clean your oven afterwards)
- Once the juice has reduced to ½ cup, remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a jar. Chill in the refrigerator.
Dough
- Meanwhile, combine the yeast with ⅓ cup warm water. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil and an additional 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Knead together for 1-2 minutes until everything comes together into a sticky ball.
- Cover the bowl in plastic wrap. Transfer to a warm location and allow to rise for 60-90 minutes.
Mushroom Filling
- Place onions into the bowl of a food processor fitted with an S blade. Process until finely minced (yield = ¾ cup).
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using the food processor, puree the mushrooms to a chunky paste. Mix into the onions. Raise to a medium-high heat and cook for another 10 minutes. Stirring frequently, until the moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, stir in the tomato paste and ¼ cup pomegranate molasses. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Assemble the Lachmagine
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Once ready, divide the dough in half and roll each piece between two pieces of parchment paper into a ~6" x 12" rectangle that is ⅛ inch thick. Transfer the sheets of parchment paper and dough to baking sheets. Layer half of the mushroom mixture onto each piece of dough.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- To Serve: cut into bite sized pieces. Add desired toppings. Drizzle remaining pomegranate sauce over top.
Notes
The pomegranate sauce, dough, and filling can all be prepared up to a day in advance of making the lachmagine.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 14gProtein: 3g
Oooh these are so original – I’ve never heard of lachmagine but now I must try!