Shetland lamb with Moroccan spices in pitta bread with roast beetroot and yoghurt with fresh coriander & mint

Course: Main
Servings: 5 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes


Ingredients:

  • red onion - 300 grams (diced)
  • garlic - 20 grams
  • sunflower oil - 150 ml
  • black pepper - 5 grams (freshly ground)
  • smoked paprika - 10 grams
  • paprika - 10 grams
  • coriander seed - 10 grams (ground)
  • chilli powder - 2 grams
  • nutmeg - 1 gram (freshly ground)
  • cumin seed - 20 grams (ground)
  • dried rosemary and thyme - pinch
  • Shetland lamb shoulder - 1 kg (minced)
  • salt - 5 grams
  • lemon juice - 25 ml
  • raw beetroot - 750 grams (par boiled then slow roasted)
  • thick yogurt - 250 grams
  • fresh mint -
  • fresh coriander -

Instructions:

  1. Gently fry the onions & garlic in the sunflower oil until lightly caramelised.
  2. Then add all the spices to the pan and gently fry together for 2 minutes.
  3. Cool the fried mixture then add to the lamb with salt, herbs & lemon juice. Combine all in a bowl.
  4. Fry off a little minced 'patty' just to check seasoning & flavour (as different spice brands vary in depth of flavour).
  5. Divide the mixture into approx 5 x 200g burgers, then press out between cling film to the shape of the pitta bread.
  6. You then pan fry the lamb 'patties' for 2 minutes on each side in a pan with med /high heat. No oil required.
  7. Open the pitta bread and then transfer the lamb making a sandwich. Place on baking tray and finish in hot oven for 5 minutes to finish cooking & bake the bread surface more crispy.
  8. While the pitta is in the oven, cut the beetroot into small chunks, add the yoghurt & chopped fresh herbs, mix in.
  9. Serve as the accompaniment to the warm lamb fresh from the oven. The beetroot dish helps with the richness & spice of the lamb.