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Delicious Doner Kebab Stuffed Pita Pockets with Veggies

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Experience the vibrant flavors of Istanbul with these delicious doner kebab stuffed pita pockets. Packed with marinated meat and fresh veggies, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or beef/lamb, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 4 pita pockets
  • Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken or beef/lamb with olive oil, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until the meat is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated meat in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the meat is cooking, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  4. Chop the Fresh Veggies: In a separate bowl, toss together the diced tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded lettuce, and bell pepper. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  5. Assemble the Pita Pockets: Take a pita pocket and carefully slice it open or lightly toast it. Spread a generous amount of garlic yogurt sauce inside, then fill it with the cooked meat and a heaping spoonful of the fresh veggie mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
  6. Serve & Enjoy: Serve the stuffed pita pockets immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the filling for an extra zing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Allowing the meat to marinate for at least 15 minutes is key to infusing flavor. Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear and choose thicker pita bread for better structure.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/delicious-doner-kebab-stuffed-pita-pockets-with-veggies/