Skillet Suppers
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[Photographs: Yasmin Fahr]

I find shucking peas to be relaxing and almost meditative, but if you're in a time crunch or fresh peas aren't in season, then frozen peas are a great substitute.


About the Author: Yasmin Fahr is a food lover, writer, and cook. Follow her @yasminfahr for more updates on her eating adventures and discoveries, which will most likely include tomatoes. And probably feta. Happy eating!

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About This Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) container non-fat or 2% Greek yogurt
  • ½ large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated with a microplane grater
  • 1 clove garlic, grated with a microplane grater (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice from 1 lime
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 white or whole wheat pitas
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground lamb
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen English peas
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
  • ½ cup fresh mint, thinly sliced

Procedures

  1. Combine the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lime juice in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  2. Toast the pitas in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly browned. Set aside on serving plates and cover with a clean dish towel to keep warm.

  3. In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onions and a pinch of salt, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, and cayenne and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the lamb and stir until beginning to cook through and is still light pink, about 3 minutes. Add the peas and asparagus, season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp and lamb is completely cooked through, about 2 minutes longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  4. Serve the lamb mixture with pita, tzatziki, and chopped mint.