Lamb Feta Mint Salad Recipes

GREEK GRILLED CHEESE WITH GROUND LAMB, FETA AND MINT

Steps:

• To make the lamb, in a cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add the lamb and cook, stirring to break up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it begins to brown. Add the salt, oregano, and mint and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4 minutes, until the lamb is cooked through. Remove from the heat.
• To make the salad, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir to mix well.
• To fry the chickpeas, pour the oil to a depth of 1 to 2 inches into a heavy saucepan or deep sauté pan and heat to 350 degrees F on a deep-frying thermometer. Add the chickpeas and fry for about 5 minutes, until browned and crisp. Drain the chickpeas on a plate lined with paper towels. Transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with the chili powder and salt and toss to coat evenly.
• Line up half of the bread slices on a work surface. Top each slice with 2 ounces (about 1/3 cup) of the cheese, one-fourth each of the lamb, salad, and chickpeas, and then finish with another 1 ounce (about 2 1/2 tablespoons) of the cheese. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.
• Line a large platter with paper towels. In a skillet over high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Turn down the heat to low, add 1 sandwich, and cook, turning once, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until browned and crisp on both sides and the cheese is melted. Transfer to the prepared platter to blot the excess grease. Repeat with the remaining butter and sandwiches.
• Cut the sandwiches in half, plate, and serve.

LAMB AND COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CHICKPEAS, MINT AND FETA

Steps:

• Combine the couscous and raisins in a large bowl. Pour 1 1/4 cups boiling water over the mixture. Cover and let stand 5 minutes; fluff with a fork.
• In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil.
• Add the lamb, chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, mint and scallions to the bowl of couscous. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss well. Taste and add more lemon juice and salt if necessary.

SPICY LAMB & FETA SKEWERS WITH GREEK BROWN RICE SALAD

Steps:

• Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for 30 mins. Cook the rice following pack instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
• Heat the grill. Mix the mince with the harissa, feta, grated onion and seasoning. Form into 12 sausage shapes and thread onto the skewers. Lay on a non-stick baking tray and grill for 6-8 mins, turning until cooked through and slightly browned.
• Mix the brown rice with the remaining ingredients and some seasoning. Serve alongside the hot skewers.

FLATBREAD TOPPED WITH MINT, FETA, AND LAMB

Steps:

• Make the flatbreads: Combine yeast and water in a mixer bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add oil, sugar, and salt. Mix with the dough hook on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed to low. With the machine running, add flour, a little at a time, and mix until dough comes together. (You will need more flour in warm weather than in cold.) Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface, and knead until smooth and supple, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to an oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
• Remove dough from refrigerator, and bring to room temperature. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet on the floor of the oven. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
• Make the topping: Melt butter with oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and scallions; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Stir in parsley and mint.
• Add lamb to the same skillet, and set over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring and breaking meat into small pieces, until browned, 6 to 7 minutes.
• Divide dough into 4 portions. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch 2 pieces into 14-by-7-inch rounded rectangles; keep other portions covered. Place dough rectangles on a parchment-lined peel or inverted rimmed baking sheet. Brush with oil, and spread each with 1/4 of the leek mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top each with 1/4 of the lamb, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup feta. Season with salt and pepper. Carefully slide parchment with flatbreads off the peel or sheet onto the pizza stone. Bake until flatbreads are golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Garnish flatbreads with fresh mint, and drizzle with oil. Cut into thick slices, and serve immediately.

CRUNCHY FETA & MINT SALAD

Steps:

• Using a coarse grater or food processor, grate the carrots and beetroot. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Season to taste, then toss the carrot and beetroot through the dressing along with the leaves from the chicory (or a crunchy lettuce). Crumble the feta cheese, roughly tear the mint leaves and toss them through the salad. Add crunch with a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts, if you like.

BBQ LAMB WITH PEAS, MINT & FETA

Steps:

• Season the lamb, then cook on a barbecue or hot griddle for 3-4 mins on each side or until done to your liking.
• Meanwhile, cook the peas in a large pan of boiling water for about 2 mins until just tender. Drain, then tip the hot peas into a bowl and toss with the olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Stir through the feta, mint and spring onions, then season to taste. Serve the peas with the lamb steaks.