Tuesday, July 22, 2008

It's all Greek to me....

No excuses. No more dallying. I AM going to start updating this at least once a week again, even if it is just a blurb and a recipe. People have been giving me trouble for slacking, which means WOOHOO I have an audience! Good times.

So, without further ado, I am going to introduce the best recipe I have come up with recently. I love Greek and Mediterranean food, but for some reason, I never really make it. I guess growing up with Lebanese and Iraqi neighbors who owned a deli will refine your palette when it comes to hummus and tabouli, though I do make a mean hummus. Well, about a week ago, I decided to dabble in lamb. Normally, I don't cook red meat. This is partially because I don't think I do it very well and partially because I like fish better. Either way, this time, my lamb turned out absolutely fantastically. As a side note, I use goat cheese in my recipe. You can substitute feta if you like. I just thought the milder chevre complimented the dish more effectively, and I like it better anyway.

Amazing Greek-spiced lamb (serves 2)

1 tbs olive oil
1 pita pocket, cut into corners
1-2 tbs hummus
1 tbs olive oil
2 boneless lamb chops, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 medium sized red onion, sliced thin
1 tbs each of cumin, coriander, savory
1 tsp each of ground mustard, cinnamon, white pepper
Cayenne to taste
1 tsp lemon juice
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 medium English cucumber, diced
1-2 handfuls chopped spinach
1 tbs chopped mint
Crumbled chevre to taste

Preheat broiler. Brush pita corners with olive oil, then broil for 2-3 minutes until crisp. Spread in bottom of shallow bowls or plates and cover with hummus. Set aside.

Heat olive oil in good sized skillet over medium heat. Add onions, saute until slightly browned.

In a small bowl, mix all spices together. Slowly stir in lemon juice to make a paste. Coat lamb in spice paste, then add to skillet.

Saute until browned and cooked to desired doneness. At last minute, stir in spinach. Wilt down just a little, then remove from heat.

In the bowls with the pita and hummus, layer meat and onion mixture, tomato, cucumber, mint and cheese.

Serve and Enjoy!