Grilled Cumin-Lamb Pitas with Couscous and Yogurt

Health score
22%
Grilled Cumin-Lamb Pitas with Couscous and Yogurt
45 min.
6
648kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our Grilled Cumin-Lamb Pitas with Couscous and Yogurt. This delightful dish brings together tender, marinated lamb sirloin, perfectly grilled to achieve that smoky char, and is nestled in warm, fluffy pita bread. The combination of spices, particularly the earthy cumin and aromatic coriander, elevates the lamb, making each bite a savory experience.

Accompanying the lamb is a refreshing couscous salad, bursting with fresh cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant dill, all tossed in a light olive oil dressing. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also balances the richness of the lamb. To top it all off, a creamy yogurt sauce infused with garlic and lemon juice provides a tangy contrast that ties the dish together beautifully.

Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe serves six and can be prepared in just 45 minutes. With a caloric breakdown that includes a satisfying amount of protein and healthy fats, it’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish is sure to impress and leave your guests asking for seconds. Get ready to fire up the grill and savor the taste of the Mediterranean right at home!

Ingredients

  • 0.7 cup couscous 
  • 0.5  cucumber seeded chopped
  • tablespoons optional: dill fresh chopped
  •  garlic clove pressed
  • teaspoon ground coriander 
  • teaspoons ground cumin 
  • 2.3 pounds lamb loins boneless trimmed cut into 1-inch cubes
  • tablespoon juice of lemon fresh
  • tablespoons olive oil 
  • 0.5 small onion halved thinly sliced
  • 6-inch wholewheat pita breads 
  • 1.5 cups yogurt plain
  • 0.3 teaspoon salt 
  •  tomatoes ripe chopped
  • cup water 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • sauce pan
  • sieve
  • grill
  • skewers
  • cheesecloth
  • metal skewers

Directions

  1. Set strainer over large bowl. Line strainer with 2 layers of cheesecloth (do not let strainer touch bottom of bowl). Spoon yogurt into strainer.
  2. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour (liquid will drain out and yogurt will thicken; discard liquid).
  3. Mix yogurt, garlic and lemon juice in small bowl. Season to taste with salt.
  4. Rub cumin and coriander over lamb pieces. Thread lamb onto 6 metal skewers. (Yogurt and lamb can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover separately and chill.)
  5. Combine 1 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium saucepan. Bring to boil.
  6. Add couscous.
  7. Remove from heat. Cover; let stand until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer couscous to large bowl; fluff with fork. Cool to room temperature. Stir in chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, olive oil and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill lamb to desired doneness, turning frequently, about 10 minutes for medium-rare.
  10. Transfer to platter.
  11. Sprinkle with salt. Grill pitas until heated through and lightly toasted, about 1 minute per side.
  12. Place 1 pita on each of 6 plates.
  13. Spread yogurt mixture evenly over pitas. Spoon couscous down center of pitas. Slide lamb off skewers onto couscous.

Nutrition Facts

Calories648kcal
Protein20.89%
Fat65.9%
Carbs13.21%

Properties

Glycemic Index
51.83
Glycemic Load
10.6
Inflammation Score
-4
Nutrition Score
20.801304464755%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.12mg
Hesperetin
0.36mg
Naringenin
0.17mg
Luteolin
0.01mg
Isorhamnetin
0.35mg
Kaempferol
0.08mg
Myricetin
0.05mg
Quercetin
1.4mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:647.93kcal
32.4%
Fat:46.92g
72.18%
Saturated Fat:19.31g
120.7%
Carbohydrates:21.17g
7.06%
Net Carbohydrates:19.42g
7.06%
Sugar:4.07g
4.53%
Cholesterol:132.13mg
44.04%
Sodium:238.05mg
10.35%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:33.47g
66.93%
Vitamin B12:4.16µg
69.26%
Vitamin B3:11.06mg
55.31%
Selenium:33.65µg
48.07%
Zinc:6.48mg
43.22%
Phosphorus:377.26mg
37.73%
Vitamin B2:0.48mg
28.05%
Iron:3.56mg
19.79%
Potassium:620.54mg
17.73%
Vitamin B1:0.26mg
17.64%
Vitamin B5:1.68mg
16.82%
Vitamin B6:0.32mg
15.75%
Magnesium:62.04mg
15.51%
Manganese:0.29mg
14.31%
Copper:0.28mg
13.88%
Calcium:125.79mg
12.58%
Vitamin K:12.55µg
11.95%
Folate:47.47µg
11.87%
Vitamin E:1.2mg
7.97%
Vitamin C:5.86mg
7.1%
Fiber:1.74g
6.98%
Vitamin A:268.52IU
5.37%
Vitamin D:0.23µg
1.54%
Source:Epicurious