Description
These Lamb Pitas are a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender, spiced ground lamb wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, these pitas combine savory meat, crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and cooling yogurt for a delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lamb Filling
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Lamb Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper over the lamb. Stir well to combine all spices evenly. Cook an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Lightly warm pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 2-3 minutes, just until pliable and warm.
- Assemble the Pitas: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce inside each pita. Fill with the spiced lamb mixture, then add sliced cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves for an herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, perfect paired with a fresh salad or your favorite Mediterranean sides.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground lamb with ground turkey or chicken.
- Allow the tzatziki to chill for at least 30 minutes to develop a more vibrant flavor.
- Grate cucumbers and squeeze out moisture to prevent soggy sauce.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the lamb for extra heat if desired.
- Adjust seasoning in lamb and tzatziki according to your taste preferences.
