Spicy Filling for Pita Bread
Overview
This Spicy Filling for Pita Bread offers a delightful twist with its unique blend of spices, perfect for stuffing into Middle Eastern pocket or pita bread rounds. It’s a quick-fix recipe, ideal for lunch or snacks, bringing together robust flavors that are sure to satisfy.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
- Calories: 199.2 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2-3 dashes Tabasco sauce, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare Pita Bread: Cut medium-sized or large whole wheat or white pita bread rounds in half to form semicircles.
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Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, garlic, and celery over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
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Drain Excess Fat: Drain off and discard any excess fat from the skillet.
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Add Vegetables and Raisins: Stir in the grated carrot and dark raisins.
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Combine Spices and Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried marjoram, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, parsley, salt, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors well.
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Remove Bay Leaf: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf from the skillet.
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Serve: Spoon the spicy filling into the prepared pita bread pockets.
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Enjoy: Serve as a light main dish or a satisfying snack. This flavorful filling pairs perfectly with the soft, warm pita bread, creating a delightful sandwich experience.
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Additional Tips: Don’t forget to eat your vegetables! The grated carrot and chopped celery add a refreshing crunch to the filling, enhancing both texture and flavor.
This Spicy Filling for Pita Bread recipe is a wonderful choice for those looking to explore new flavors inspired by Southwest Asian cuisine. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to become a favorite for quick meals or casual gatherings. Treat yourself to a taste adventure with this delicious recipe from Love With Recipes!