Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground lamb
  • 2 cups chopped unpeeled eggplant (from 3/4 lb. eggplant)
  • 1 1/2 cups cups chopped onion (from 1 large [12 oz.] onion)
  • 1 cup chopped carrots (from 2 large [7 oz. total] carrots)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 8 medium garlic cloves, minced (1 1/2 Tbsp.)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups uncooked basmati rice
  • 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 2 cups crumbled pita chips (2 1/2 oz.)
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Lemon wedges

Method

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat oil in a 12-inch high sided skillet over medium-high. Add lamb; cook, stirring to crumble, until just browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add eggplant, onion, and carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft, 7 to 8 minutes. Add oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and cinnamon; cook, stirring often, 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high; reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in rice, chickpeas, and yogurt. Transfer mixture to a 13- x 9-inch casserole dish; pour stock over mixture. Cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake in preheated oven until mixture is bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove foil; bake an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle with pita chips and feta; continue baking until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes. Sprinkle with mint and paprika. Serve with lemon wedges.