'The easy meal I recommend everyone makes to impress the whole family.'

If I want to impress my family without the effort, I'll make this Middle Eastern Mezze Plate. The oven does most of the work!

Everyone — including the kids and husband — can build their own dinner. Plus, it's spectacular, so I get lots of compliments. 

I also highly recommend making this recipe for your mother-in-law, who will be suitably impressed! 

You can easily swap the lamb mince for a cheaper option, and sub pomegranate for currants to save money.

Enjoy!

Watch: For some money-saving dinners, Hello Fresh has got you covered. Even Robert Irwin agrees! Post continues below.

Middle Eastern Mezze Plate Recipe

Serves 4 • Cook 25 mins • Prep 5 mins

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb mince

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

• 1 tsp cumin, ground

• 1 brown onion, finely chopped

• 1 small cauliflower, cut into small florets

• 4 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp za'atar

• 400g cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 pomegranate, seeds

• 100g pita crackers

• 200g tzatziki

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C

2. To make the lamb koftas: Combine crushed garlic, ¼ cup chopped parsley, cumin, half the chopped onion, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp cracked pepper in a mixing bowl. Add mince and use your hands thoroughly to mix. Once combined, create 8 short thick sausages (approx 6cm long and 3cm wide) and place on a lined baking tray.

3. On the same baking tray (or another one, if there isn't space), add the cauliflower and sprinkle with 2 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp zaatar. Mix well so the florets are coated. Place both lamb and cauliflower in the oven for 25 mins to cook.

4. Meanwhile, add tomatoes, onion and remaining parsley to a small bowl. Add 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice and season with salt.

5. Arrange the lamb, cauliflower and salad on a platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve with pita crackers and tzatziki.

Notes:

• Easily make your own Tzatziki: Combine 1 cup Greek yoghurt, ½ cup fresh mint or parsley leaves (chopped), 2 garlic cloves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

• Easily make your own pita chips: Separate 2 pieces of Lebanese bread so you get 4 large circles (half as thick) and place on a baking tray. Spray with cooking oil, sprinkle with 2 tbsp za'atar (or another favourite herb) and add a good crack of salt. Cook in the oven for 5 minutes on 200°C or until it starts to brown. Once cooked, crack into large chunks.

• Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice that should be easily found in any large grocery store in the spice section. Can't find it? Use paprika.

• If pomegranate isn't in season (or is too expensive/isn't available), you can easily skip it.

• You can use other meats if you don't want to use lamb. If using a leaner meat like turkey, it may not be as rich and juicy.

Lyndi Cohen (AKA the Nude Nutritionist on Insta) is an accredited practicing dietitian and nutritionist, TEDX speaker, and the author of Your Weight Is Not The Problem. For more of her delicious, easy, nutrition-packed recipes, check out her Back To Basics app.

Feature image: supplied.