Lamb Kofta with High Fiber Pita and Grilled Vegetables

Ingredients

Lamb Kofta:

• 1 kg ground lamb
• 1 large onion, finely grated
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

High-Fiber Pita Bread:

• 500g high-fiber flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Approximately 320ml warm water (adjust as needed)

Spiced Grilled Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 2 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
• 2 red onions, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Start with the Pita Bread Dough:

• Whisk together the high-fiber flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the olive oil.
• Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms. Adjust the water as needed; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Lamb Kofta:

• While the dough is rising, combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, toasted pine nuts, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
• Form the mixture around skewers into elongated shapes. Place them on a tray and refrigerate to firm up for at least 30 minutes.

3. Marinate the Vegetables:

• Toss the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Set aside to marinate while the meat rests and the dough rises.

4. Preheat the Grill:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you have a grill that allows for different heat zones, set up a hotter area for the koftas and pita and a cooler side for the vegetables.

5. Grill the Lamb Kofta:

• Once the grill is hot, place the koftas on the grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly charred and cooked through.

6. Grill the Vegetables:

• While the koftas are grilling, arrange the marinated vegetables on the cooler part of the grill. Grill, turning occasionally, until they’re tender and charred, about 10-15 minutes.

7. Finish the Pita Bread:

• After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into rounds about 5mm thick.
• Grill the pita rounds on each side for 1-2 minutes or until they puff up and get nice grill marks. Keep a close eye on them; they cook quickly!

8. To Serve:

• Arrange the grilled lamb koftas, spiced grilled vegetables, and high-fiber pita bread on a large platter. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to assemble their own kofta wraps with their choice of veggies and perhaps some tzatziki or hummus for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Grilled Lamb Kofta Meal:

• Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the kofta ingredients until just combined to keep the meat tender.
• Rest the Dough: Let pita dough rest after shaping to make it easier to grill and achieve a good puff.
• Even Slices: Cut vegetables uniformly for even grilling and the best char.
• Temperature Check: Preheat your grill properly to ensure even cooking and those perfect grill marks.
• Watch the Pitas: Pitas cook quickly; keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Marination Time: Let the koftas chill for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape on the grill.
• Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly oil grates to prevent the koftas from sticking when cooking.
• Serve Warm: Serve the pita bread and grilled items warm for the best texture and flavor.