Description
Mediterranean Spiced Lamb Pita Boats are a flavorful dish combining juicy, warm-spiced lamb with creamy tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta, all served in warm pita bread for a perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground lamb or ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ medium cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 5 pita breads
- 1½ cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing pita
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or oregano, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic, herbs, and salt in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground lamb or beef and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it up and allowing it to brown and caramelize.
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Remove from heat.
- Brush pita breads with olive oil and warm them on a grill pan or skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
- To assemble, fill each pita with shredded lettuce, spiced meat, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Drizzle generously with tzatziki and top with crumbled feta and chopped herbs.
Notes
- Use beef, chicken, or turkey for variations.
- Can be served over rice or salad for a low-carb option.
- Prepare meat and tzatziki in advance for easier meal prep.
- Only assemble just before serving to avoid soggy pita.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pita boat
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
