Description
Spiced Lamb & Pumpkin Phyllo Triangles – Savory, flaky, and full of Mediterranean flavors. Serve with a hot honey-yogurt dip for a taste you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Filling Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (from roasted pumpkin or canned)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Flavor Boosters & Spices:
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Phyllo & Brushing:
- 1 (16 oz) package phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Hot Honey-Yogurt Dip:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (or more, to taste)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Puree:: If you’re roasting your own pumpkin, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and brush with a touch of olive oil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until fork-tender. Once cool, scoop out the flesh and mash it into a smooth puree. Honestly, the smell of roasting pumpkin filling the kitchen is just the best. I sometimes forget to let it cool completely and burn my fingers, oops, so be patient!
- Sauté the Lamb & Aromatics:: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground lamb, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the kitchen starts smelling incredible, and I often find myself taking a deep breath of all those savory notes. Don’t rush this step; it builds the base flavor for our Spiced Lamb & Pumpkin Phyllo Triangles.
- Build the Savory Filling:: Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the lamb mixture. Cook for another minute until fragrant – you’ll really smell those spices bloom, it’s amazing! Then, add the pumpkin puree, a good pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through. I always taste it here and often add a little more salt; it just brings out all the flavors. This is the heart of your Spiced Lamb & Pumpkin Phyllo Triangles, so make sure it’s seasoned to your liking!
- Prep the Phyllo Dough:: Carefully unroll the thawed phyllo dough onto a clean, dry surface. Cover the stack with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out – this is a critical step I learned the hard way after having brittle, cracking phyllo too many times! Melt your unsalted butter. You’ll need a pastry brush for the next steps; it makes the process so much easier, honestly. Keep your workspace tidy, because phyllo can be a bit messy.
- Assemble the Triangles:: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough flat. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush again. Repeat with a third sheet, so you have three buttered layers. Cut the layered phyllo lengthwise into three equal strips. Place a spoonful of the lamb-pumpkin filling at one end of each strip. Fold the corner of the phyllo over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding it like a flag until you reach the end of the strip. It takes a little practice, but even my slightly lopsided ones taste great!
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Place the assembled Spiced Lamb & Pumpkin Phyllo Triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the triangles with any remaining melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Oh, the smell as they bake is just heavenly, a mix of warm spices and buttery pastry. They should look flaky and inviting when they come out of the oven.
- Whip Up the Hot Honey-Yogurt Dip:: While the triangles are baking, prepare your dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and chili flakes. Add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Taste and adjust the honey or chili flakes to your preference – I sometimes add a little extra chili for a real kick! This dip is an absolute game-changer for the Spiced Lamb & Pumpkin Phyllo Triangles; it adds a cool, tangy, and spicy contrast that’s just amazing.