Spiced Lamb Kibbeh Pockets with Fresh Toppings
Transport your taste buds to the heart of the Middle East with these delightful Spiced Lamb Kibbeh Pockets. This recipe features tender skewers of seasoned ground lamb infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and saffron, grilled to perfection for a crispy exterior. Served in fluffy pita bread, each sandwich is packed with flavorful toppings including zesty red onions, vibrant salad greens, creamy hummus, and cooling yogurt. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack, these kibbeh pockets promise to impress both friends and family with their rich flavors and enticing presentation. Ideal for gatherings or simply enjoying a culinary adventure at home!
4
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 (quartered)
parsley
3 ounces (stems removed)
ground lamb
2 1/2 cups (freshly ground)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
saffron
1/2 teaspoon (threads or powdered)
sea salt or kosher salt
to taste
pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
pita bread
4 pieces (warmed)
red onion
1 (sliced)
green salad greens
2 cups (washed and dried)
hummus
1 cup (for serving)
plain yogurt
1 cup (for serving)
dried mint
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, finely chop the quartered onions until grated, then add the parsley and pulse until it's well incorporated.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion-parsley mixture with ground lamb, cinnamon, saffron, a generous pinch of salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
3
Wet your hands to prevent sticking, and take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, rolling it into a ball. Carefully form it onto a metal skewer, pressing it along the skewer to create an oval shape about 4 inches long. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
4
Preheat your grill or broiler to a medium-high heat.
5
Place the kebabs on the grill or broiler, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, until the exterior is crispy and golden brown. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
6
Prepare your serving platter by warming the pita breads. Arrange red onion slices, fresh salad greens, hummus, and yogurt mixed with dried mint (if using) alongside your grilled kebabs.
7
To serve, allow each person to fill their pita with grilled lamb, along with their choice of toppings from the platter. Enjoy your flavorful Middle Eastern experience!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is Spiced Lamb Kibbeh Pockets featuring seasoned ground lamb skewers served in pita bread.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the primary spices used in the lamb mixture?
The primary spices used are ground cinnamon and saffron.
How should the onions be prepared for the kibbeh mixture?
The onions should be quartered and then finely chopped in a food processor until they are grated.
How much ground lamb is required?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of freshly ground lamb.
What is the recommended cooking method for the kebabs?
The kebabs should be cooked on a grill or broiler at medium-high heat.
How long should the lamb be cooked on each side?
Cook the lamb for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
How can I prevent the meat from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands with water before rolling the meat to prevent it from sticking.
What size and shape should the meat take on the skewer?
The meat should be formed into an oval shape about 4 inches long on a metal skewer.
What type of bread is used for serving?
Warmed pita bread is used to create the pockets for the lamb.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 300 calories in one serving of this dish.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content per serving is 20g.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What amount of salad greens is suggested?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of green salad greens.
What can be added to the yogurt for extra flavor?
You can optionally add one teaspoon of dried mint to the plain yogurt.
Which type of onion is used as a fresh topping?
A sliced red onion is used as a fresh topping.
Is hummus included as a serving suggestion?
Yes, one cup of hummus is recommended for serving alongside the kebabs.
How should the parsley be handled during preparation?
The stems should be removed before pulsing the parsley in a food processor with the onions.
What should the exterior of the lamb look like when finished?
The exterior should be crispy and golden brown.
How should the salt and pepper be adjusted?
Sea salt or kosher salt and pepper should be added to the meat mixture to taste.
What forms of saffron are acceptable?
Both saffron threads and powdered saffron are acceptable for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to grate the onions and parsley in a food processor.
How should the pita bread be prepared for serving?
The pita bread should be warmed before serving.
How do guests assemble their meal?
Guests fill their own warmed pita with the grilled lamb and their choice of toppings from a platter.
How many specific ingredients are listed?
There are 13 specific ingredients listed in the recipe.
What regional cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe represents Middle Eastern cuisine.
How should the salad greens be prepared?
The salad greens should be washed and dried before being added to the platter.
What is the desired consistency of the raw meat mixture?
The meat mixture should be blended until it is smooth and homogenous.