Middle Eastern Ground Beef Pita Sandwich

 

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
• Salt and pepper
• 1 ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp green cardamom
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

To Serve:

• 3 pitas, cut into halves (6 pita pockets)
• 2 medium tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• ½ English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced (half moons)
• 1 radish, sliced (optional)
• Tahini sauce, tzatziki, or hummus

Instructions

1. Cook Onions and Garlic:

   • Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
   • Add onions and garlic; cook until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).

2. Cook Meat:

   • Add ground meat to the pan and break it up with a wooden spoon.
   • Cook until fully browned, then drain extra fat if necessary.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and add the remaining spices (allspice, cayenne, cardamom, nutmeg, paprika).
   • Add parsley and toss to combine.

3. Assemble Pita Sandwiches:

   • Stuff each pita pocket with the meat mixture.
   • Add tomato slices, onions, and cucumbers.
   • Drizzle with tahini sauce (or your choice of sauce) and serve.

Notes

• Best Ground Beef: Use 80% or 90% lean ground beef. Drain the fat to avoid excess oiliness.
• Swap the Beef: Ground turkey can be used but requires more cooking fat to prevent dryness.
• Serving Ideas: Add pickled turnips or cucumbers, or use different sauces like tzatziki or herby chermoula. Serve with sides like tomato salad, Greek potatoes, or sweet potato fries.
• Storing Leftovers: Keep ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with olive oil. Pita stays fresh for 2-3 days in an airtight bag on the counter.

Enjoy your pita sandwiches!