Name: Baked Kofta Pita Sandwich, Turkish Style (tutorial)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 lb ground lamb or beef; 1 egg; 1 cup plain bread crumbs; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp salt; 2 1/2 tsp ground sumac, more for later; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, more for later; 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, more for later; 6 warm Greek pita or flatbread; Hummus, homemade or quality store-bought; 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley, stems removed; 6 oz baby arugula; 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges; 1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds; 1 onion, sliced into rounds or half-moons; Olives; Jalapeno peppers, optional; 1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, more for later; 1 tsp smoked paprika, more for later

Description

In this easy baked kofta pita sandwich we have, flavor-packed ground lamb (or beef, if you prefer) patties, loaded on top of Greek pita with hummus spread, fresh veggies, and olives. A great weeknight option, or a make-your-own-sandwich bar for your next party! Step-by-step tutorial included.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Baked Kofta

2 lb ground lamb or beef
1 egg
1 cup plain bread crumbs
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp ground sumac, more for later
2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, more for later
1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, more for later

For the pita sandwich fixings

6 warm Greek pita or flatbread
Hummus, homemade or quality store-bought
1 bunch fresh Italian parsley, stems removed
6 oz baby arugula
3 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 English cucumber, sliced into rounds
1 onion, sliced into rounds or half-moons
Olives
Jalapeno peppers, optional
1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, more for later
1 tsp smoked paprika, more for later

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb, egg, bread crumbs, and garlic with the salt and the spices. With clean hands, kneed together until all is well-combined.
Form the lamb mixture into small balls. Push lightly to flatten the meatballs into patties and arrange them about 1 inch apart on a large baking sheet. Do not crowd the kofta patties, use two baking sheets if necessary.
Bake in the 425 degrees F heated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the kofta patties are well-browned and the center is fully done.
While the kofta is baking, mix together a small equal amount of the spices (sumac, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika). Set aside for now. Prepare the Greek pita bread, Sabra hummus spreads, and the rest of the fixings. You can set everything up for a make-your-own-sandwich bar, if you like.
When the kofta patties are fully baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the spice mixture on top.
To make the pita sandwiches, spread the hummus on the pita, then top with the baby arugula and parsley.
From here, add as many baked kofta patties as you like (usually 3-4 per pita is a good amount), and your choice of fixings; tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and jalapeno peppers.
Serve the baked kofta pita sandwiches in folded wraps or open-faced. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Entree
Cuisine: Turkish