Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greek Meatball Pitas with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce, a dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your table. These pitas are filled with succulent lamb and beef meatballs, infused with aromatic spices, and topped with a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce that adds a refreshing crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights or lively gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste. Whether you serve them as a hearty lunch or a delightful dinner, these pitas are sure to impress everyone at your table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or a mix of lamb and beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 pita breads
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb (or beef), chopped red onion, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Add breadcrumbs and lightly beaten egg to the mixture. Stir until combined without overmixing.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meatballs for 8-10 minutes until browned on all sides.
- In another bowl, prepare the cucumber yogurt sauce by combining Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Warm pita breads according to package instructions.
- Assemble each pita by adding cucumber yogurt sauce and several cooked meatballs inside.
- Serve warm immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pitas (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize the cucumber yogurt sauce by adding herbs like mint or substituting with different spices for an extra kick. Consider using ground turkey or chicken as lighter alternatives for the meatballs while maintaining flavor.