Spicy Harissa Lamb Pitas with Creamy Hummus
Indulge in a flavor explosion with our Spicy Harissa Lamb Pitas! This recipe highlights the art of char-grilling, ensuring that each bite of lamb is succulent and juicy. The lamb is marinated in a vibrant blend of harissa, fresh mint, and zesty lemon, which infuses it with a spicy kick and freshness. Char-grilling locks in the juices, making every bite melt in your mouth. Once rested, the lamb is sliced and nestled into warm pita breads filled with peppery rocket and topped with a dollop of creamy hummus, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty squeeze that elevates this delightful dish. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
harissa
1 (tablespoon)
lemon
1 (juice of)
fresh mint
2 (tablespoons, chopped)
sea salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
lamb fillets
350 (g)
pita breads
4
fresh rocket
50 (g)
hummus
4 (tablespoons)
lemon wedge
(to serve)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, mix together harissa paste, lemon juice, chopped mint, and sea salt to create a vibrant marinade.
2
Add the lamb fillets to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
Heat a griddle pan over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until it is hot. Place the marinated lamb fillets on the pan, cooking them for 8-12 minutes. Aim for a well-browned exterior while keeping the center a little pink for optimal juiciness.
4
Once cooked to your liking, remove the lamb from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to enhance tenderness.
5
While the lamb rests, warm the pita breads in the same griddle pan for about 1-2 minutes until soft.
6
Cut each pita in half to create pockets and fill them generously with fresh rocket.
7
Slice the rested lamb diagonally into 1 cm thick slices and pack them into each pita pocket on top of the rocket.
8
Finish each pita with a generous dollop of creamy hummus and serve warm, alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 350g of lamb fillets.
How many calories are in the Spicy Harissa Lamb Pitas?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
How long should the lamb be marinated?
The lamb should be marinated for at least 10 minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors.
What are the components of the harissa marinade?
The marinade consists of harissa paste, lemon juice, chopped mint, and sea salt.
What is the recommended cooking time for the lamb fillets?
Cook the lamb fillets on a hot griddle pan for 8-12 minutes.
Why is it important to rest the lamb after cooking?
Resting the lamb for 5 minutes after cooking enhances its tenderness and allows juices to redistribute.
How should the lamb be sliced for the pitas?
The lamb should be sliced diagonally into 1 cm thick slices.
What type of bread is used for this dish?
This recipe uses 4 pita breads.
How should the pita breads be prepared?
Warm the pita breads in the griddle pan for 1-2 minutes until soft, then cut them in half to create pockets.
What greens are included in the pita pockets?
The recipe calls for 50g of fresh, peppery rocket.
What is the nutritional content for fat and protein?
The dish contains 12.5g of fat and 20g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The recipe contains 20g of carbohydrates.
What flavor does harissa add to the lamb?
Harissa provides a vibrant, spicy kick to the lamb.
What is the recommended pan for cooking the lamb?
A griddle pan is recommended to achieve a well-browned, charred exterior.
How is the hummus used in this recipe?
A generous dollop of creamy hummus is added to the top of each filled pita pocket.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is designed to be impressive yet fast to prepare.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
What level of heat should the griddle pan be set to?
The griddle pan should be heated over medium-high heat.
Should the lamb be cooked all the way through?
For optimal juiciness, the lamb should have a well-browned exterior while keeping the center a little pink.
How is the fresh mint prepared for the marinade?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped mint.
What is the purpose of serving with lemon wedges?
The lemon wedges provide an extra zesty squeeze that elevates the flavors of the dish.
What regional cuisine does this dish fall under?
This dish is classified as Mediterranean cuisine.
How much sea salt is used in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is specified for the marinade and serving, bottled could be used in a pinch, though flavor may vary.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, the nutritional data indicates the sugar content is null or negligible.
How much hummus is needed per serving?
The recipe calls for a total of 4 tablespoons of hummus to be distributed among the pitas.
What texture does the rocket add?
The rocket adds a fresh, peppery crunch to the pita filling.
What is the main technique used to cook the meat?
The main technique is char-grilling, which locks in juices and creates a smoky flavor.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and features lean protein and fresh greens.
How many pitas does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 4 pita breads, which results in 8 pocket halves once cut.