Santorini Lamb Sliders Food

SANTORINI LAMB SLIDERS

Steps:

• Line a strainer or colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth or 1 coffee filter; place over a bowl. Place yogurt in prepared strainer; cover yogurt with sides of cheesecloth. Refrigerate 2-4 hours. Meanwhile, place cucumber in a colander over a plate; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss. Let stand 30 minutes. , For burgers, in a large bowl, combine lamb, lemon zest, 2 garlic cloves, oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into ten 1/2-in.-thick patties. Refrigerate 30 minutes., For sauce, remove yogurt from cheesecloth to a bowl; discard strained liquid. Squeeze cucumber and blot dry with paper towels. Add cucumber, lemon juice, dill, remaining 2 garlic cloves, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper to yogurt, stirring until combined., Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat 3-4 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Grill buns over medium heat, cut sides down, for 30-60 seconds or until toasted. Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, red onion, feta and sauce.

GREEK LAMB MEATBALL SLIDERS WITH TZATZIKI

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler.
• For the lamb meatballs: Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the lamb, coriander, cumin, garlic, oregano, mint, some salt and pepper, and the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix well, but do not overwork. Fold in the feta, then form the mixture into eight 2-inch meatballs.
• Place the meatballs in a large, greased cast-iron pan. Place the pan 7 to 8 inches from the heating element; broil for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cooked through, turning once halfway through.
• For the tzatziki: Grate the cucumber into a small strainer and squeeze out excess water. Combine the grated cucumber with the yogurt, lemon zest, olive oil, dill and garlic and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• To assemble the sliders: Load a meatball onto each bun. Top with tomato slices and some tzatziki. Secure the sliders with bamboo skewers. Serve on a large platter with extra tzatziki on the side.

LAMB SLIDERS

Steps:

• Place a grill pan over medium-low heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the shallots are soft, 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic, 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly.
• Combine the shallot mixture, lamb, cumin, ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Form the mixture into 8 patties each 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick. Press a cube of cheese into the middle of each patty and form the meat around the cheese to cover. Brush the patties with the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and grill until cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Let the patties rest for 2 minutes. Place the patties in the buns and serve.

SAVORY LAMB SLIDERS

Steps:

• Form the lamb sliders: In a large bowl, add the lamb, shallots, mint, parsley, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika and garlic. Gently combine, making sure not to overmix. Divide the mixture into 9 equal portions. Using a ring mold about 3 inches in diameter, press each portion into the mold to form a slider, or just form the patties with your hands. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the patties for about 30 minutes.
• Make the tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving time.
• Cook the lamb sliders: Heat a grill pan or grill to high heat and cook the slider patties, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the patties, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and continue to grill until cooked through (130 to 135 degrees F), another 2 to 3 minutes.
• To serve: Top the bun bottoms with lettuce, tzatziki and feta. Top the bun tops with the tzatziki and Pickled Onions. Place the slider patties on the bun bottoms. Place the tops of the buns on the sliders and serve.
• Combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, pickling spice and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the onions to the pan and stir to combine. Bring back to a simmer, then turn off the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Transfer to a resealable container and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 weeks.