Spiced Lamb Kofta Pitas with Tzatziki
Spiced Lamb Kofta Pitas with Tzatziki
Ingredients
For the Lamb Kofta
- 1 pound ground lamb, lean
- 1/2 yellow onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
For the Tzatziki
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat recommended
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For Serving
- 4 pita bread, warmed
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber (ensure it's well squeezed to remove excess water), Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated yellow onion (squeezed dry), minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
⏱️ 10 min
- 3
Form the Kofta: Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oblong patty, about 3-4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Cook the Kofta: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the kofta patties in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until deeply browned and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches. Transfer cooked kofta to a plate.
⏱️ 10 min
- 5
Warm the Pita Bread: While the kofta cooks, warm the pita bread. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, in a toaster oven, or microwave until soft and pliable.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Assemble the Pitas: Open each warmed pita bread to create a pocket. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki inside each pita. Add 2 kofta patties, then fill with shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 3 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spiced Lamb Kofta Pitas with Tzatziki
Ingredients
For the Lamb Kofta
- 1 pound ground lamb, lean
- 1/2 yellow onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
For the Tzatziki
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, full-fat recommended
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For Serving
- 4 pita bread, warmed
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber (ensure it's well squeezed to remove excess water), Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Prepare the Kofta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, grated yellow onion (squeezed dry), minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
⏱️ 10 min - 3
Form the Kofta: Divide the lamb mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oblong patty, about 3-4 inches long and 1 inch thick.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Cook the Kofta: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the kofta patties in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until deeply browned and cooked through. You may need to cook in batches. Transfer cooked kofta to a plate.
⏱️ 10 min - 5
Warm the Pita Bread: While the kofta cooks, warm the pita bread. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, in a toaster oven, or microwave until soft and pliable.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Assemble the Pitas: Open each warmed pita bread to create a pocket. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki inside each pita. Add 2 kofta patties, then fill with shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 3 min