Description
Crispy lamb patties stuffed into pita have been pleasing eaters from the Mediterranean to the Middle East for centuries. This version trades lamb for plant-based "beef," seasoned with tangy pomegranate molasses, fresh mint, and hot paprika to evoke the flavors of the classic. The plant-based meat mixture is somewhat loose; getting a good hard sear is the key to helping these patties stay together. A tangle of tart, sumac-tinted onions and a drizzle of tahini-laced yogurt sauce make these plant-based pitas a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds plant-based ground "meat" (from two 12-ounce packages)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mint, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon hot paprika
- 2 tablespoons finely grated red onion, plus 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3 garlic cloves, finely grated with a microplane grater
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac (optional)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- warm pita bread and lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Stir together Impossible ground beef, mint, molasses, paprika, grated onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Shape mixture into 8 (1-inch-thick) oval patties and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
- Whisk together yogurt, tahini, and lemon juice in a small bowl until combined. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and set aside. Place thinly sliced red onions in a single layer on a plate and sprinkle with sumac (if using); set aside.
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Season patties evenly with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add patties to skillet and cook, turning once, until lightly charred and a thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 140°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer patties to a platter. Serve kofta with pita, mint, lemon wedges, yogurt sauce, and sumac-dusted red onions.
