Lamb Feta Burgers With Minty Yogurt Food

LAMB, FETA AND MINT BURGERS

Steps:

• Place all the burger ingredients in a large bowl and mix together with your hands until thoroughly combined. Really give it a good squishing!
• Divide the mixture into 6 and roll each portion into a large ball then squash to make a burger patty.
• Press a small dent in the centre of each burger to help stop the burger from rising up too much in the middle.
• Preheat your grill (broiler) to medium high or prepare your BBQ.
• Cook the burgers for 5 minutes on each side or until done to your liking.
• Serve in burger buns on with a good dollop of tzatziki and a scattering of salad leaves on top. If you like, serve these burgers with homemade potato wedges, Greek salad and more tzatziki on the side.

GREEK LAMB BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat an outdoor gas grill or an indoor griddle to medium (if working with an indoor griddle or skillet, you can just heat it once you prepare the meat mixture).
• Add the ground lamb (or mix of lamb and beef) to a mixing bowl. Add grated onions, garlic, fresh herbs, oregano, cumin, paprika and cayenne. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and mix until everything is well combined.
• Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal balls. Using both hands, work meat into smooth spheres, then lightly press to form into patties. Arrange the patties on a large tray or dish, and with the tip of your thumb, press lightly to form a shallow, somewhat wide, depression into the center of each patty. (see cook's tip #2 below) Cover and refrigerate, if you have the time.
• Lightly oil the grill grates (or indoor griddle) and arrange the burger patties on top. Grill over medium heat, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, turning once midway through cooking (internal temperature for a medium burger should register 160 degrees F. Adjust cooking time according to your desired doneness.)
• Allow the lamb burgers to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve in pita pockets (or buns), with tztaziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions. If you like add kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta.

LAMB BURGERS WITH FETA TZATZIKI SPREAD

Steps:

• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, toss in the diced onions and season with salt and crushed red pepper. Bring the pan to medium-high heat and cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 4 more minutes. Turn the heat off and let cool.
• In a large bowl, combine the lamb, the cooled onion mixture, the oregano, dill, mint, lemon zest and 1/2 to 3/4 cup water. Sprinkle with salt and combine well. Make a little "tester patty." Cook it and taste for seasoning.
• Preheat the grill.
• Form the lamb mixture into 4 equal patties and sprinkle with salt. Grill the burgers to your desired doneness, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove the burgers from the grill and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Cut the pitas in half. Schmear each half generously with the Feta Tzatziki Spread. Top one half with a burger, then tomatoes, sliced onions and spinach. Place the other pita half on top.
• Combine the yogurt, feta, vinegar, garlic, mint, dill and cucumbers. Season with salt. Let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature before serving.

LAMB & FETA BURGERS

Steps:

• First make the dip by mixing together the yogurt and mint with a little seasoning, then chill until ready to serve.
• Tip the lamb into a big bowl with the spices, chili, herbs, Worcestershire sauce and egg. Season, then get your hands in and mix well. Divide the mixture into 16.
• Shape into burgers, pushing a cube of cheese into the centre of each and sealing inches Chill until just before your guests arrive.
• Heat oven to 400F and heat the oil in a frying pan.
• Fry the burgers for 1-2 mins until brown on each side, then transfer to a baking tray. Put in the oven for 15-20 mins until cooked through and piping hot.
• Pile onto a big plate and serve with the dip on the side.

ORGANIC LAMB BURGER WITH FRESH MINT YOGURT AND QUINOA

Steps:

• Rinse the quinoa in a large fine mesh strainer with cold water, then transfer to a small saucepan. Cover with 2 cups cold water, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a low simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, fluff with a fork and let cool before mixing into the lamb.
• Mix together the quinoa, lamb, cumin, cayenne, garlic, egg, onions and some salt in a large bowl until the mixture comes together and is smooth. Form the mixture into 4 balls, flatten down into patties and place on baking sheets.
• Heat a large nonstick saute pan over high heat for 1 minute, and then add the oil. Cook the patties until browned, 3 minutes per side, and then cover and cook over low heat for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Mix together the yogurt and mint in a separate bowl and season with salt.
• To plate the dish, place the lamb burger over your favorite salad or I recommend a fresh tomato puree. Top each with a dollop of the mint yogurt and serve.

GRILLED LAMB AND FETA BURGERS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the lamb, garlic, feta, allspice, parsley, salt and pepper, making sure not to overwork the mixture. Form the lamb mixture into 4 to 6 patties.
• Heat a grill pan over moderately-high heat and cook the lamb burgers until a nice crust forms, about 4 minutes. Turn the burgers over and let cook another 4 minutes. Let the burgers rest 10 minutes. Serve topped with Easy Tzatziki on a roll or bun.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.
• What Really Makes This Recipe Sing: Allspice is one of those secret weapons in savory foods. You can't put your finger on it, but you know it is there. It was named by the English, because they thought it contained cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Shh, it is also the secret ingredient in Cincinnati-style chili.
• What to toss in if you have it: Feel free to add some chopped fresh mint to this as well. Having a cocktail party? BYOC and makes these into mini's. Grab one before you serve because they will disappear fast.