Open-Faced Pitas with Rotisserie Lamb with Pomegranate and Mint, Grilled Tomatoes, and Greek Slaw

Ingredients

Rotisserie Lamb with Pomegranate and Mint:

• One boneless half leg of lamb (about 4 pounds), butterflied
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary1 Spanish onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup pomegranate molasses
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Juice of 2 lemons

Greek Slaw:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, plus for garnish
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped to a paste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 6 ounces crumbled Greek feta
• Cherry tomatoes, on soaked skewers, for serving
• Canola oil, for brushing
• 8 warmed pita breads, with or without pockets, for serving
• 2 lemons, for serving

Directions

For the rotisserie lamb with pomegranate and mint: Sprinkle both sides of the lamb with salt and pepper. Roll the lamb and tie with twine. Cut small slits over the entire lamb, using a paring knife. Fill each slit with a slice of the garlic. Put the lamb into a large plastic resealable bag.

Whisk the pomegranate juice, wine, olive oil, oregano, rosemary, onions, bay leaves and lemon juice in a bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over the lamb, in the bag. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Place the bag into a large bowl. Refrigerate the lamb for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours, turning the bag a few times during that time.

Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat the grill to medium-hot heat.

Whisk the pomegranate molasses, mint, mustard and lemon juice in a medium bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Skewer the lamb onto the rotisserie and grill until a meat thermometer registers 135 degrees F for medium doneness, 1 1/2 hours to 1 3/4 hours. Begin brushing the lamb with the pomegranate molasses mixture after about 45 minutes of grilling.

Meanwhile for the Greek slaw: Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dill, honey and garlic in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the red and green cabbage, carrot and feta. Toss to combine. Cover the slaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Transfer the lamb to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Wait 15 minutes before slicing.

While the lamb is resting, brush the tomatoes with canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the tomatoes until they are charred on both sides and just soft, about 4 minutes.

Slice the lamb. Lay the warm pita breads on a large platter. Top with sliced lamb, grilled tomatoes and the Greek slaw. Squeeze the lemons over the top and serve.

SOURCE

Roasted Leg of Lamb

Ingredients

• 1 (7-pound) semi-boneless leg of lamb, aitchbone removed, fat trimmed to 1/4-inch thick, and lamb tied
• 8 garlic cloves
• 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Pita bread, wrapped in foil and warmed in the oven

Directions

Pat lamb dry and score fat by making shallow cuts all over with tip of a sharp small knife.

Place garlic, parsley, mint, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Rub the paste all over the lamb and place in a lightly oiled roasting pan. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Roast lamb in middle of oven for 20 minutes, reduce heat to 350, and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted 2 inches into thickest part of meat (not touching bone) registers 135 degrees F, about 1 3/4 hours.

Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 15 to 25 minutes (the internal temperature will rise to about 145 degrees F for medium). Slice the meat against the grain and serve with pita.

SOURCE

Lamb