Greek Patty Melts with Kasseri Cheese and Muhammara

 

Prep Time: 40 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 4

1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves

1/3 cup whole milk greek yogurt

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons ground coriander, from toasted seeds

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, from toasted seeds

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1 1/4 pounds ground lamb

olive oil

1 (20 to 24-ounce) prepared pizza dough, rolled into 1 large or 2 smaller rough rectangles

1 pound aged kasseri cheese, grated

muhammara, recipe follows

4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced and grilled

1 pound red bell peppers, charred, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped

1 to 2 small hot red peppers, charred, peeled, seeded and roughly chopped

1 cup walnut pieces, about 5 ounces, toasted

1 clove garlic, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin, from freshly toasted seeds

kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

1/2 lemon, zested and juiced

put all of the ingredients, except the lemon zest, in a food processor and process until a smooth paste forms. (start with 1 hot pepper, taste, and then add more if you want it hotter.) if the mixture is too thick, drizzle in a little more olive oil. stir in the lemon zest by hand. taste and add more salt and hot pepper, if desired.