Spiced Lamb Triangles Recipe ๐ฅ
Overview:
Spiced Lamb Triangles are a delightful blend of flavors, featuring a savory lamb filling spiced with cumin, cinnamon, and allspice, encased in crispy, golden phyllo dough triangles. These tasty morsels are perfect for lunch, snacks, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. With a prep time of just 12 minutes and a cook time of 45 minutes, you’ll have these savory treats ready to serve in under an hour. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible Spiced Lamb Triangles!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 cups lean ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
Instructions:
Preparing the Lamb Filling:
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Rehydrate Raisins: Start by placing the golden raisins in a small bowl and covering them with boiling water. Let them steep for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
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Toast Pine Nuts: In a large nonstick skillet over low heat, toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the toasted pine nuts to a plate to cool, then chop them and set aside.
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Saute Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sautรฉ until softened and beginning to caramelize, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
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Cook Lamb: Add the ground lamb to the skillet along with ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is no longer pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
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Drain and Season: Transfer the cooked lamb mixture to a colander to drain off excess fat. Return it to the skillet and add the chicken broth, reserved raisins, chopped pine nuts, fresh parsley, and fresh lemon juice. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, approximately 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the lamb filling to cool. (Tip: You can prepare the lamb filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.)
Forming the Phyllo Triangles:
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Preheat Oven: Position an oven rack on the upper level and preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
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Prepare Egg White Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white, a teaspoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
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Handle Phyllo Dough: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface with a short side facing you. Cut the sheet lengthwise into thirds.
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Brush and Fold: Brush the lengthwise half of each strip lightly with the egg-white mixture and fold it in half. Brush the top lightly with the egg-white mixture as well.
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Add Filling and Fold: Place a tablespoon of the prepared lamb filling at the bottom of each strip. Fold one corner of the strip over the filling diagonally to the opposite edge, forming a triangle. Continue folding the triangle onto itself until you reach the end of the strip.
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Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo sheets, egg-white mixture, and lamb filling.
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Brush and Sprinkle: Lightly brush the assembled triangles with the remaining egg-white mixture and sprinkle them with poppy seeds and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
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Bake: Place the prepared triangles on the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful dark golden color.
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Serve: Once baked, allow the Spiced Lamb Triangles to cool for 5 minutes before serving them hot. (Tip: These triangles can be baked in advance and reheated in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven for 10 to 12 minutes when ready to serve.)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 205.2
- Fat: 10.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20.8mg
- Sodium: 194.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 6.2g
- Protein: 7.7g
Serving Suggestions:
These Spiced Lamb Triangles are delicious on their own but can also be served with a side of tzatziki sauce or a simple yogurt-based dipping sauce. They make a great addition to any lunch or snack spread and are sure to be a hit at potlucks or parties. Enjoy the aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite!
Conclusion:
With their savory lamb filling, aromatic spices, and crispy phyllo dough crust, Spiced Lamb Triangles are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch option, a flavorful snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these triangles are sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, with the option to prepare them ahead of time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the rich flavors of Greek cuisine!