Ingredients

• 6 dried apricots
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup whole-wheat couscous
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 4 ounces ground lamb
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 whole-wheat pitas, sliced open on top and toasted

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Cooking Directions

Step 1

To prepare apricot sauce: Combine apricots and orange juice in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on High until bubbling, about 1 minute. Set aside to soften for 10 minutes. Transfer the apricot mixture to a food processor or blender. Add mint, water and vinegar; puree until smooth.

Step 2

To prepare lamb kafta: Place couscous in a medium bowl. Pour boiling water over it and let stand until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Add lamb, parsley, garlic, salt and allspice to the couscous and knead until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Form into 6 balls of equal size.

Step 3

Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet. Add the meatballs and cook, turning often to prevent scorching, until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Pour 1/2 cup water into the skillet, cover and cook until the meatballs are cooked through, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a plate. Serve the meatballs inside pitas topped with the apricot sauce.