Pistachio Lamb with Hummus

This Pistachio Lamb with Hummus recipe makes a great finger food and is also great included as part of a Middle Eastern style meal. The lamb can be cooked in advance and with the help of purchased hummus this tasty recipe can be ready in minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 6 as a starter

Ingredients

• 250g lamb mince

• 1 heaped teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 heaped teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Olive oil spray

• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

• 2 tablespoons dried currants

• Approximately 200g purchased hummus

• 2 large pita bread, to serve

  
  
  
  

Method

1. Cook the lamb – In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fry the onion until it starts to soften. Add the lamb mince and cook over high heat, breaking up lumps as you go.

2. Add spices – When the lamb has released its juices, add the cumin, coriander, and salt. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the moisture from the lamb has evaporated and the lamb begins to crisp. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

3. Prepare the pita crisps – Cut the pita bread into small triangles. Spray lightly with olive oil and bake in a 180°C oven until brown and crisp.

4. Assemble – Spread the hummus generously onto a serving plate. Top with the slightly warm, (not hot) lamb mixture.

5. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle over the chopped pistachios and dried currants. Serve with the crispy pita bread on the side.

   
   

Tips

• Lamb mixture – The cooked lamb mixture can be frozen. Defrost then warm gently in the microwave before serving. The lamb is better served at room temperature, or slightly warm, rather than straight from the fridge.

• White bean purée option – This lamb is also delicious with a white bean purée instead of hummus. Drain a tin of white beans, rinse well, then purée until smooth and season to taste.

• Part of a Middle Eastern spread – I’ve served this with spiced chicken, saffron rice, salad, and untoasted pita as part of a Middle Eastern feast.