Alkubus with Spiced Lamb and Apricots

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, minced 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of ready-made puff pastry 1 package of ready-made puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugars: 10g)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the minced lamb to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the chopped dried apricots to the pan and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. 6.
   Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares or circles, depending on your preference and the size of the pastries you desire.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled lamb and apricot filling onto each pastry square or circle. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal.
8. 8.
   Brush the pastries with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
9. 9.
   Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
10. 10.
    Once baked, remove from the oven and let the Alkubus cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — Choose lean lamb mince for a healthier option. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can use ground lamb instead.
• Dried apricots — Make sure to use unsweetened dried apricots for a more natural and balanced sweetness in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of saffron threads to the lamb filling.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a finely chopped chili pepper to the filling.
• Serve Alkubus with a side of tangy yogurt sauce or a refreshing cucumber and mint salad.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought ground lamb instead of mincing it yourself.
• To make bite-sized appetizers, cut the puff pastry into smaller squares or circles and adjust the filling accordingly.

Serving advice

Serve Alkubus warm as an appetizer or as part of a Moroccan-inspired feast. Accompany it with a fresh salad or a selection of mezze dishes for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Alkubus on a platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh cilantro. The golden pastry triangles or half-moons will make an enticing display, inviting your guests to indulge in the flavors of Morocco.