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Middle Eastern Mezze Plate
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
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- 500 g lamb mince
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin, ground
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp za’atar
- 400 g cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 pomegranate, seeds
- 100 g pita crackers
- 200 g tzatziki
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200c/395f.
- To make the lamb koftas: Combine crushed garlic, ¼ cup chopped parsley, cumin, half the chopped onion, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp cracked pepper in a mixing bowl. Add mince and use your hands thoroughly to mix. Once combined, create 8 short thick sausages (approx 6cm/2-3” long and 3cm/1” wide) and place on a lined baking tray.
- On the same baking tray (or another one, if there isn’t space), add the cauliflower and sprinkle with 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp zaatar. Mix well so the florets are coated. Place both lamb and cauliflower in the oven for 25 mins to cook.
- Meanwhile, add tomatoes, onion and remaining parsley to a small bowl. Add 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice and season with salt.
- Arrange the lamb, cauliflower and salad on a platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve with pita crackers and tzatziki.
Notes
- Easily make your own Tzatziki: Combine 1 cup Greek yoghurt, ½ cup fresh mint or parsley leaves (chopped), 2 garlic cloves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
- Easily make your own pita chips: Separate 2 pieces of lebanese bread so you get 4 large circles (half as thick) and place on a baking tray. Spray with cooking oil, sprinkle with 2 Tbsp za’atar (or another favourite herb) and add a good crack of salt. Cook in the oven for 5 minutes on 200c/395f or until it starts to brown. Once cooked, crack into large chunks.
- Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice that should be easily found in any large grocery store in the spice section. Can’t find it? Use paprika.
- If pomegranate isn’t in season (too expensive/isn’t available), you can easily skip it.
- You can use other meats if you don’t want to use lamb. If using a leaner meat like turkey, it may not be as rich and juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
