Spicy Filling for Pita Bread

Savor the bold, mouthwatering flavors of this Spicy Filling for Pita Bread, a perfect fusion of juicy ground beef or chicken and aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This easy-to-make recipe is a quick 35-minute powerhouse, featuring a medley of diced red bell peppers, fresh parsley, and a tangy cucumber-yogurt sauce that beautifully balances the heat. Stuffed into warm, fluffy pita bread alongside crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes, this versatile dish is ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Elevate your pita game with this spicy, flavor-packed creation that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 500 grams ground beef or ground chicken
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 100 grams plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 medium cucumber, finely diced
• 4 pieces pita bread
• 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet. Cook and break up with a spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Mix in the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly softened.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Set the spicy meat mixture aside.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and finely diced cucumber. Mix well to create a tangy cucumber sauce.

Step 9

Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable.

Step 10

Stuff each pita bread pocket with a layer of shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of the spicy meat mixture.

Step 11

Drizzle the cucumber yogurt sauce over the filling before serving.

Step 12

Serve the stuffed pitas warm and enjoy the spicy, flavorful meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1632.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2393.8

Total Fat 136.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 406mg	0%
Sodium 3842.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 184.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.4g	0%
Total Sugars 38.0g
Protein 122.8g	0%

Vitamin D 48IU	0%
Calcium 486.9mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 3937.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.0%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 30.0%