Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 pita breads
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Skewers (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, onion, egg, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, warm the pita breads in the oven for 5 minutes.
6. Assemble the pitas by spreading tzatziki sauce on each pita, then adding the cooked meatballs, chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped kalamata olives.
7. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat per serving: 23g
Carbohydrates per serving: 35g
Protein per serving: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of lamb.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be used instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Dill can be used instead of mint.
- Red onion can be used instead of regular onion.
- Hummus can be used instead of tzatziki sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes can be used instead of regular tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add sliced red pepper or roasted eggplant to the pita.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella.
- Serve the meatballs on skewers as an appetizer.
Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands before forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Make sure the meatballs are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
- If you don't have a mixing bowl, you can mix the ingredients in a large plastic bag.
Storage instructions:
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pitas on a platter with a side of hummus and sliced vegetables.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or mint on top of the pitas for added flavor and color.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Couscous salad
- Hummus and pita chips
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are dry, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture before forming the meatballs.
- If the meatballs are falling apart, try adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meatballs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.
Food history:
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables. Lamb is a popular meat in Mediterranean cuisine, and is often used in dishes such as meatballs and kebabs.
Flavor profiles:
The meatballs are seasoned with cumin, coriander, and mint, giving them a savory and slightly spicy flavor. The tzatziki sauce adds a cool and tangy element to the dish, while the feta cheese and kalamata olives provide a salty and briny flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the pitas with a side of Greek salad and a glass of red wine for a complete Mediterranean meal.
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