30.7.08

Mediterranean Pita Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

* 1 medium onion, finely minced

* 1/2 green bell pepper, small dice

* 1 pound ground lamb (or turkey or chicken)

* 1 teaspoon cumin

* 1 teaspoon coriander

* 4 sprigs fresh oregano

* OR

* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

* Salt and pepper

* 2 tablespoons tomato paste

* Water (optional)

* 4 large fresh pita

* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

* 2 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, small dice

* 1/4 cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped

* Olive oil (optional)

* Fresh torn basil (optional)


Directions:

Preheat oven to 500F. (Note: If pita is fairly sturdy, place assembled pizzas directly on rack. If

not, preheat a baking sheet with the oven.)

In a large saute pan, preheat oil and pan over medium flame. Add onions and peppers and sweet

for about five minutes to soften.

Add ground meat and more oil if necessary to prevent sticking. As meat browns, break up with a

wooden spoon to combine with veg and brown evenly.

Once meat is mostly broken up and still browning, add cumin, coriander, oregano and a healthy

dash of salt and pepper. Continue to saute for 1-2 minutes to bring out the aromas in the

seasoning.

Add tomato paste and a splash of water if the mixture is very dry (this will often depend on how

lean your meat is), reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 3-4 minutes to finish cooking.

Meanwhile you should have prepped the toppings.

To assemble the pizzas, start by even sprinkling each with a tablespoon of Parmesan, this will help

the toppings to stick in the oven. Evenly divide meat mixture amongst the four pies. Top with feta,

chopped tomato and olives.

Place in the oven for about 10 minutes, until cheese has slightly melted and the bread has gotten

sufficiently brown and crisp.

To serve, drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkling of some hand-torn fresh basil.