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Spiced Lamb Bowls with Mint Pesto Rice & Tzatziki

These Spiced Lamb Bowls with Mint Pesto Rice & Tzatziki are a fresh take on Mediterranean comfort food. Fragrant lamb is seasoned with warm spices, served over basmati rice tossed with bright mint pesto, and finished with cool, creamy tzatziki. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, they’re hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Spice Mix for Lamb

Lamb

  • 1 pound ground lamb
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tbsp olive oil
  • Zest + juice of ½ lemon

Tzatziki

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Mint Pesto

Rice

  • 1 cup  basmati rice
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • the juice from 1/2 a lemon

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tzatziki

  • combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
    Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
    You can even make the day befor it will get better as it sits.

Make the Mint Pesto

  • In a blender or food processor, blend mint, green onions, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and crushed red pepper into a smooth pesto.
    If it is to thick and chunky add a tbsp or 2 from the stock you will cook the rice in.
    Set aside — lemon juice will be added later after the rice is cooked.

Cook the Rice

  • In a medium saucepan, warm the mint pesto briefly (1–2 minutes) to bloom the flavors.
    Add the basmati rice and toss to coat.
    Pour in 2 cups stock, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
    Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
    After resting, stir in the lemon juice and fluff with a fork.

Cook the Lamb

  • once the rice has reached its 15 minutes, cook the lamb durring its resting time.
    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    Add onion and sauté until softened, 3–4 minutes.
    Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    Add lamb and the spice mix. Cook until browned and fragrant, 8–10 minutes.
    Finish with lemon zest and juice.

Assemble the Bowls

  • Divide mint pesto rice between bowls.
    Top with spiced lamb and add a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
    Garnish with tomato, cucumber, pickled red onion, feta, mint, and pine nuts if desired.
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