Spicy Lamb with Charred Eggplant Purée and Pita

A flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender lamb shoulder cooked with crushed red pepper, served over a smoky charred eggplant and yogurt purée. Accompanied by warm pita bread and fresh herbs for a complete meal.

6 servings
2 hr 20 min

Ingredients

  • 6 whole eggplants
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • cups Greek yogurt
  • 7 chops lamb shoulder blade chops
  • ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
  • ¼ cup fresh mint or Italian parsley
  • 6 pieces pita bread

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Char eggplants directly over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides and very tender in center, about 20 minutes. Cool; cut open. Spoon flesh into sieve set over bowl; discard skins. Drain at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours.

    80 min

  2. 2.

    Transfer eggplant to bowl and mash. Chop garlic with salt and mash to paste; mix into eggplant. Mix in yogurt. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat. Sprinkle lamb with salt and pepper; add to skillet in single layer. Sprinkle with dried crushed pepper. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook lamb until tender and brown, turning occasionally and adding water by tablespoonfuls if very dry, about 45 minutes. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover lamb in skillet and chill. Rewarm over low heat.

    45 min

  4. 4.

    Warm eggplant over low heat; spoon into dish. Spoon lamb and any juices over Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with pita.

    5 min