A variety of delicious meat dishes await every Muslim family table on Eid Al-Adha. As soon as the qurbani or sacrifice is done, the meat reaches the kitchen. From then, there is no turning back. The fragrance of mouth-watering dishes start to fill the entire house for several days. Kababs, curries, biryani and koftas fill the table.
A family who is able to sacrifice a halal animal, a sheep, goat, cow, ram or camel, is allowed to only keep one third of the meat for the immediate family and relatives. Then, one-third is shared with friends and neighbors, and the remaining one-third is donated to those who are in need. The act of sharing symbolizes Muslim’s willingness to give up material belongings that may be close to our hearts in order to follow God’s (Allah swt’s) commands. We recognize that all blessings come from God, and we should open our hearts and share with others. Therefore, the act also symbolizes the willingness to give up some of our own bounties to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are less fortunate.
In the midst of all of the traditional kababs, curries, biryani and koftas, this speedy, crispy, wonderfully simple Middle Eastern lamb and hummus tart is a great filo pastry tart if you are looking to add something light to the spread. When I saw this Middle Eastern Lamb Tart on Australia’s leading food magazines Taste.com.au, I knew I needed to make it immediately. And guess what? I made this tart twice back to back on a same week. I am almost addicted to this quick phyllo tart with a base of hummus and filled with lamb and mint. I omitted the feta to keep the refreshing flavors of the tart intact and light. Instead of butter, I brushed olive oil in between the phyllo layers which made the tart shell extra light. The beauty of the lamb and hummus filo pastry is that it can be served at brunch, lunch, dinner or as appetizer anytime of the year, not just during Eid. This lamb filo tart will be the center of attraction as party food when served as hors d’oeuvre or light main course meal.
Give charity, live fully. Enjoy good food with family and friends. Eid Mubarak to all the With A Spin friends. May there be peace on earth.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ lb lean ground lamb (may substitute beef)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Pinch of dried chilli flakes
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup finely chopped mint, plus extra leaves to serve
- Salt to taste
- 4 sheets fresh phyllo pastry
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 cup homemade hummus, you may substitute with store bought hummus
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add ketchup and half the garlic. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
- Add minced meat, coriander, chilli flakes and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds. Cook, stirring, about 5-6 minutes until browned all over.
- Stir 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon mint.
- Season with salt. Taste and adjust seasoning per taste.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Lightly grease a 13¾" x 4½" x 1" high Removable bottom tart pan.
- Brush 1 phyllo sheet with olive oil, covering the remaining phyllo with a tea towel while you work. Top with another phyllo sheet and brush with olive oil. Repeat with remaining phyllo and oil, then use it to line the tart pan.
- Prick the base with a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until pastry is crisp and lightly golden. Cool slightly and push the centre of the pastry down.
- In the meantime, combine tomato, sumac, onion and parsley in a bowl with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons mint. Season with salt and set aside.
- Spread center of the pastry shell with hummus.
- Then, sprinkle the cooked minced meat. Bake for 3-4 minutes to warm through.
- Remove from oven and top with tomato, parsley mixture and extra mint leaves before serving.
I love your photos of this tart, it looks fresh and inviting 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
The Lamb tart is incredibly refreshing and light. Thank you, Uru.
What a beautiful tart. I need to learn how to use the phillo pastry, my previous attempts ended up in disasters!
This lamb tart looks just so tasty. And the recipe doesn’t look very hard to make. I should give it a try.
You are right. The recipe is pretty easy. Hope you get to give this a try soon, Irene. Thank you.
Oh wow, I’m totally impressed and drooling. This looks amazing. Do you think I could swap ketchup for tomato paste or harissa?
The Middle Eastern tart is totall drool worthy Francesca. You can totally substitute ketchup for tomato paste or harissa. I am more leaning toward harissa. Thanks!
I am a massive fan of Middle Eastern flavours. Never tried a middle eastern inspired tart before.. definitely need to try out the recipe!
You’ll definitely love this tart if you are a fan of Middle Eastern flavors. Give it a try. Thank you, Thalia.
This dish looks beautiful and sounds mouth-wateringly delicious!! I’ll bookmark it for the future 🙂
I hope you get to try the tart from your bookmark sometimes soon, Hilary. Thanks a lot!
Eid Mubark to you and your family. This tart looks divine. So delicious, easy and creative. I can feel the taste in my mouth right now !
I saw your comment on my blog the other day. Thank you so much for being so kind and supportive. I am so thankful of all the good virtual friends I have like you.
Thank you so much, my dear.