Greek Taco

This season of  Food Network Star, sucked me in. I was thinking that I wanted Susie to win because I thought I would be more likely to watch her show.  I was happy to see Jeff win, I was not sure how much I would be into his "Sandwich King" show. Boy, was I wrong, the first 3 weeks have been awesome! The show is one of the better ones on Food Network right now. If you have not checked it out yet, do so. Sandwich King is on Sunday...we have our DVR set for it. This Greek Taco is the first recipe of Jeff's that I have tried and we loved it!! I wrapped it in whole wheat greek flat bread.

From the "Sandwich King", Jeff Mauro..for more on him and show visit foodnetwork.com!

Lamb:
1 TBS olive oil
2 lbs. ground lamb
salt and pepper
1/2 red onion, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBS. tomato paste
2 TBS. dry red wine..did not use this, used a splash of stock

Feta Mint Tzatziki:
1 English cucumber
Salt
1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 clove garlic, minced or grated
2 TBS. minced fresh mint

Cucumber Tomato Relish:
1 TBS. EVOO
1 TBS. red wine vinegar
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 English cucumber, seeded and diced
1/2 red onion diced
black pepper

* 4 non-pocket pitas, oiled and lightly heated on each side in a pan or grill

Directions

For the lamb: In a large skillet, heat the oil medium-high heat. Add the lamb, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until the meat gets nice and golden brown, 10-12 min. With a slotted spoon, remove the lamb and reserve. Lower the heat to medium and saute the onions in the lamb juices until soft, about 5 mins. Add the oregano and garlic and cook until fragrant . Season. Add the tomato paste and cook until it is caramelized. Deglaze with red wine or stock and scrape up bits of the bottom of pan. Add the lamb back in, stir and set aside.

For the tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and place in a fine mesh stainer over bowl. Salt the cucumber and let sit 10 mins. Then squeeze out any excess moisture. Add the cucumber into a bowl with the garlic, feta, yogurt, and mint.

For the relish: Toss the olive oil, vinegar, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a bowl and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover and sit at least and hour.