Description
This recipe features spiced ground lamb cooked with fragrant spices and fresh herbs, served in warm pita bread with a creamy and refreshing feta mint sauce. The combination of savory lamb, crisp vegetables, and tangy yogurt-based sauce offers a deliciously balanced Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Spiced Lamb
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup white onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped plus more for garnish
Feta Mint Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 ounces feta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Assembling & Garnishes
- 4 pita breads
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 tomato, diced
Instructions
- Make the Feta Mint Sauce: Add the plain Greek yogurt, feta cheese, fresh mint, and lemon juice to a small food processor or blender. Pulse the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but do not brown.
- Brown the Lamb: Add the ground lamb to the pan with the onions and garlic. Cook the lamb until it is browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add Spices and Herbs: Stir in the smoked paprika, allspice, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, kosher salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so the spices coat the lamb evenly. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors, then remove from heat. Stir in the freshly chopped mint and parsley.
- Assemble the Pitas: Take each pita and layer on a generous amount of the spiced lamb mixture. Top with diced cucumber and tomato for added freshness and crunch. Drizzle the feta mint sauce over the fillings and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and vibrant sauce.
- The feta mint sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Warm the pita breads before assembling to enhance texture and flavor.
- Ground lamb can be substituted with ground beef if preferred.
