Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches with Roasted Green Beans and Almonds

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef, ground
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 TBSP cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 lb green beans
• 2 TBSP almonds, sliced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, diced
• 1 TBSP lemon juice
• 1 TBSP Mint, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 6 Pita halves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. In a large bowl combine the beef , garlic , paprika , cilantro and a pinch of salt and pepper . Form into approximately 18 1 -inch balls. Cook in a large skillet at medium -high heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. Spread the green beans out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper .
4. Place in oven for 10 minutes. Stir green beans and then sprinkle with almonds and return to oven until almonds are toasted, abo ut 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl combine the yogurt , cucumber, lemon juice , mint , and garlic powder . Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Put 3 meatballs in each pita and spoon some yogurt sauce over top. Serve with green beans and extra yogurt sauce on the side.

Notes

• If you do not have or cannot find Greek style yogurt you can strain plain yogurt with a coffee filter or several paper towels overnight in the refrigerator, discard the liquid. You can use a whole pita to make a larger sandwich and also add some shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes and onions to the sandwich.