Spiced Lamb and Eggplant Pizzas with Herb Yogurt
Experience a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and Italian cuisines with these Spiced Lamb and Eggplant Pizzas. This recipe combines richly flavored ground lamb seasoned with aromatic spices, layered over toasted eggplant and served on a crispy pizza crust. Finished with a refreshing herb yogurt, each bite transports you to a vibrant culinary landscape. Crafted with love and creativity, this meal is perfect for a unique lunch or snack, offering not only taste but a burst of color and nutrition to your table. Ideal for gatherings or family meals, these pizzas beckon to be shared.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
brown or yellow onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
ground lamb
500 g (None)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
ground cumin
2 teaspoons (None)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (None)
beef stock
1 cup (None)
tomatoes
2 medium (finely chopped)
pine nuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
fresh mint
1/3 cup (coarsely chopped)
prepared pizza crust
4 small (See Notes)
char-grilled eggplants
1 (280 g) jar (drained)
natural yoghurt
1 cup (None)
sumaq
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced) or 425°F (400°F fan-forced).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
3
Add the ground lamb to the pan, cooking and stirring regularly until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4
Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon. Stir for about a minute until the spices become fragrant.
5
Pour in the beef stock and add the chopped tomatoes to the mix. Allow it to simmer on medium heat until most of the liquid evaporates, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and half of the mint, and remove from heat.
6
Place the prepared pizza crusts on a greased baking tray. Spread a layer of char-grilled eggplant on each crust, then evenly distribute the lamb mixture on top of the eggplant, leaving a 3 cm (just over an inch) border around the edges.
7
Bake the pizzas on the lower shelf of the oven for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
8
While the pizzas are baking, prepare the herb yogurt by mixing the natural yogurt with the remaining chopped mint and sprinkle with sumac.
9
Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and serve hot, topped with a generous dollop of the herbed yogurt.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 500 grams of ground lamb.
What are the key spices that flavor the lamb mixture?
The lamb is seasoned with cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon for an aromatic Middle Eastern flavor profile.
How should the oven be prepared for baking the pizzas?
The oven should be preheated to 220°C (200°C fan-forced) or 425°F (400°F fan-forced).
What type of eggplant is recommended for this pizza?
The recipe calls for a 280 gram jar of char-grilled eggplants, which should be drained before use.
How is the herb yogurt prepared?
Mix natural yogurt with chopped fresh mint and a sprinkle of sumac to create the refreshing herb yogurt topping.
How long does it take to bake the pizzas?
The pizzas take approximately 12 minutes to bake on the lower shelf of the oven.
What kind of pizza crust should I use?
The recipe suggests using four small prepared pizza crusts.
Which liquid is used to simmer the lamb and tomato mixture?
One cup of beef stock is used to simmer the meat and tomatoes until most of the liquid evaporates.
Do I need to cook the pine nuts before adding them?
Yes, the 1/3 cup of pine nuts should be toasted before being stirred into the lamb mixture.
What herbs are incorporated into the lamb topping?
Coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and fresh mint are added to the lamb mixture after it is removed from the heat.
What is the purpose of the sumac in this recipe?
Sumac is sprinkled over the herb yogurt to provide a tangy, lemony flavor that complements the spiced lamb.
How should I layer the ingredients on the pizza crust?
Spread a layer of char-grilled eggplant first, then evenly distribute the lamb mixture on top, leaving a 3 cm border around the edges.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one medium brown or yellow onion, finely chopped.
Is the lamb mixture supposed to be dry or saucy?
The mixture should be simmered for 8-10 minutes until most of the liquid from the beef stock and tomatoes has evaporated.
Which oven shelf is best for baking these pizzas?
The pizzas should be baked on the lower shelf of the oven for the best results.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves to be sautéed with the onion.
What is the recommended serving style for these pizzas?
They should be served hot, topped with a generous dollop of the prepared herbed yogurt.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe calls for two medium, finely chopped fresh tomatoes.
Is this dish considered a fusion recipe?
Yes, it is a fusion of Middle Eastern flavors (spiced lamb, sumac, yogurt) and Italian cuisine (pizza).
What is the border size recommended for the pizza edges?
You should leave a 3 cm (just over an inch) border around the edges when spreading the toppings.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic.
How do I know when the pizzas are finished baking?
The pizzas are ready when the edges of the crust are lightly browned.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley and mint?
While fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities if necessary.
What type of yogurt works best for the topping?
The recipe specifies one cup of natural yogurt.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is described as being ideal for a unique lunch, snack, or family gathering.
How much cayenne pepper is in the spice mix?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of heat.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The fresh flat-leaf parsley should be coarsely chopped before adding it to the lamb.
Do I add the mint all at once?
No, half of the mint goes into the lamb mixture, and the remaining half is mixed into the yogurt.
Is the eggplant cooked before putting it on the pizza?
Yes, the recipe uses char-grilled eggplants from a jar, which are already cooked and flavored.