🥙 Mediterranean Spiced Lamb Pita Boats
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Spiced Lamb:
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500g ground lamb
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp coriander powder
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½ tsp cinnamon (optional but amazing)
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½ tsp black pepper
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¾ tsp salt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the Creamy Tzatziki:
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt to taste
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1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped (optional)
For the Pita Boats:
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4 pita breads
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh Garden Vegetables:
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ cucumber, diced
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
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Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Spiced Lamb
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Add onion and sauté until soft.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add ground lamb, breaking it apart.
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Add cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
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Cook until browned and fully done (6–8 minutes).
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Finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Tzatziki
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In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and herbs.
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Chill for 10–15 minutes for best flavor.
3️⃣ Prepare the Veggies
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Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and lettuce.
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Toss lightly with a pinch of salt and lemon juice if desired.
4️⃣ Assemble the Pita Boats
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Warm pita breads slightly.
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Cut them open to form “boats.”
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Fill with spiced lamb.
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Add fresh vegetables.
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Drizzle generously with tzatziki.
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Sprinkle feta on top.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
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Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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With roasted potatoes or fries
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With Mediterranean slaw
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With hummus & olives
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As a party platter
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use beef or chicken instead of lamb?
A: Yes! Ground beef, chicken, or turkey work great with the same spices.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cook lamb and prep tzatziki and veggies in advance. Assemble just before serving.
Q: How long does leftover lamb last?
A: Up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Absolutely—add chili flakes, cayenne, or harissa.
Q: What if I don’t have pita bread?
A: Use naan, wraps, tortillas, or serve as a bowl.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: Yes! It’s high in protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats.