Shawarma-Spiced Roast Pulled Lamb Leg Tacos

Mexican tacos are usually served with pico de gallo, made from diced Roma tomatoes, onion, jalapeño and cilantro. I created my Greek pico from halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber and lemon, and I like to top the tacos with tangy crumbled feta cheese and arugula.

Course taco

Cuisine Mediterranean

Prep Time 1 30

Cook Time 6

Servings (perfect for two families)

Calories 376kcal

Author Kylie Mazon-Chambers

Ingredients

For the pulled lamb:

1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 bone-in American lamb leg, about 6 pounds
3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced

For the Greek pico de gallo:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup diced red onion
½ small cucumber, seeds removed and diced
Juice from 1 medium lemon
¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
Kosher salt, to taste

For serving:

Small flour tortillas, warmed
2 cups Greek yogurt, separated equally in containers
4 cups wild arugula, separated equally in two resealable bags
1 cup crumbled feta cheese, separated equally in two bags or containers

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

For the pulled lamb:

In a small bowl stir together the salt, paprika, cumin, coriander, pepper and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
Rub the lamb leg with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and garlic then rub all over with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate to let marinate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
Preheat oven to 450°F (230ºC). Add the lamb to a large roasting pan. Roast lamb until well browned all over, 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce the oven temperature to 300°F. Add enough water so the liquid comes about 1 inch up the side of the roasting pan, cover with aluminum foil, and roast until meat is tender and easily pulls apart, about 5 hours, turning once halfway through cooking.
Transfer the lamb to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm. Add the braising liquid to a medium saucepan and boil over medium heat until it reduces by half. Shred the lamb and pour the reduced juices over the top.

For the Greek pico de gallo:

In a medium mixing bowl stir together the tomatoes, onion, cucumber, lemon juice and mint. Season with salt, split into two containers (one for your family and one to share) cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Can be made up to two days in advance.

For serving:

To assemble the tacos, top with Greek yogurt, a small handful of arugula, topped with lamb, a scoop of the Greek pico de gallo and crumbled feta cheese.

For Packing:

Grab a basket, reusable grocery bag, or box. Pack half the pulled lamb, pico de gallo, tortillas, Greek yogurt, arugula and feta (be sure to share reheating and assembly instructions!)
Get creative send along a bottle of wine, your favorite party playlist, dessert, homemade hand sanitizer or masks!

Nutrition