Description
Delicious and flavorful Spiced Lamb Pitas served with a creamy and refreshing Feta Mint Sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines ground lamb seasoned with warm spices and fresh herbs, complemented by crisp cucumbers and tomatoes, all wrapped in soft pita bread. Perfect for a satisfying and vibrant weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Feta Mint Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 ounces feta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional Ingredients
- 4 pita breads
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 tomato, diced
Instructions
- Make the Feta Mint Sauce: Add the Greek yogurt, feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and lemon juice to a small food processor or blender. Pulse the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Spiced Ground Lamb: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened but not browned.
- Cook the Lamb: Add the ground lamb to the pan with the onions and garlic. Brown the lamb thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until fully cooked through.
- Season the Lamb: Stir in the smoked paprika, allspice, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh mint and flat-leaf parsley. This adds a fresh, bright flavor to the spiced lamb mixture.
- Assemble the Pitas: To each pita bread, add a portion of the spiced lamb mixture, then top with diced cucumber and tomato. Drizzle generously with the feta mint sauce. Garnish with extra fresh mint and parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the lamb mixture.
- If you prefer, substitute ground beef or chicken for the lamb.
- The feta mint sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Warm the pita breads before assembling for a softer texture and enhanced flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side of chopped salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
