Kofta

Kofta is something we had a lot in the middle east.  It is, for lack of a better comparison, kind of like an Arabic version of hamburgers.  It's traditionally made with spiced lamb meat, but you can substitute ground beef if you can't find lamb.  Also, you can press the meat around skewers and grill it into kabobs instead of patties if you'd like.  Either way, it's delicious!

Kofta

Ingredients:
1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
1/2 medium onion, grated or finely chopped
3 T chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 pitas
Hummus
1/2 a cucumber, diced
1 tomato, diced

Grilled Kofta patties.  You can see the onion and parsley.

In a medium bowl combine lamb, onion, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper.  Use your hands to mix it well.  Form into 6-8 oval-shaped patties.  Grill over medium-high heat about 4 minutes per side, or pan fry for the same amount of time, or until meat is cooked through (lamb can be a little undercooked and still fine, so don't overcook it!).

While the lamb is cooking, wrap pitas in damp paper towels and microwave for 1 minute.  This will make them soft and pliable.
To serve, slice pita in half to create pocket bread.  Place one piece of lamb in each pita half, add a spoonful of hummus, and top with cucumbers and tomatoes.
Serves 4.