– 1 pound lamb shoulder or lamb chops, boneless
– 4 whole pitas
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– ½ cup pistachios, shelled and unsalted
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 garlic clove
– ½ cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh vegetables for garnish (cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, etc.)
Crafting these delicious Grilled Lamb Pitas with Pistachio & Mint Pesto involves a few straightforward steps:
1. Marinate the Lamb: Season the lamb shoulder or chops with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh mint leaves, pistachios, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Grill the Lamb: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the lamb for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare. Adjust the grilling time based on your preferred doneness.
4. Rest the Lamb: Once grilled, remove the lamb from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meat.
5. Warm the Pitas: While the lamb rests, place the pitas on the grill for a minute on each side, or you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up.
6. Slice the Lamb: Slice the grilled lamb into thin strips, making it easier to stuff into the pitas.
7. Assemble the Pitas: Open up the warmed pitas and spread a generous amount of pistachio and mint pesto inside. Stuff in the sliced lamb and add your choice of fresh vegetables.
8. Serve: Serve immediately while the pitas are warm, accompanied by additional pesto for dipping if desired.
Following these steps will lead you to a delightful culinary experience with Grilled Lamb Pitas packed with flavor!