Garlic-Feta Lamb Burgers With Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

A delightful departure from traditional beef, these juicy, Greek-inspired lamb burgers are flavored with garlic, feta cheese and fresh mint and topped with sliced tomato, sweet onion and a tangy sauce made with yogurt, diced cucumber and fresh dill.

Garlic-Feta Lamb Burgers With Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

Garlic-Feta Lamb Burgers With Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ground lamb, combined with feta cheese, garlic and fresh mint, makes a great grilled burger ~ a flavorful change from ground beef.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground lamb
  • 1-1/2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 3 ounces)
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices sweet onion, 1/4-inch thick
  • 4 slices tomato, 1/4-inch thick
  • 4 soft hamburger rolls

For the sauce:

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1/2 clove garlic, very finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start preparing the sauce by placing the diced cucumber in a strainer and setting it over a bowl. Season with salt, toss and set aside to drain. In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic and dill and set aside.
  2. Place the ground lamb in a large mixing bowl. Add the garlic, feta cheese, mint, salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Use a wooden spatula to combine the meat ingredients as best you can before doing a final, gentle mix with your hands.
  3. Gently form the patties into four equal portions and make a slight depression in the center of each with your thumb. Transfer to a plate and chill for at least 15 minutes before grilling.
  4. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to a medium-high temperature (about 400°F).
  5. Coat a piece of heavy duty foil with nonstick spray, place it on the grill and arrange the onion slices in a single layer. Season them lightly with salt and pepper and cook until softened and beginning to caramelize around the edges, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove the foil from the grill and set the onions aside.
  6. Oil the grill grates and add the burgers. Grill for 4 minutes on the first side, turn and grill for an addition 2 to 4 minutes, or until the burgers reach the desired doneness.
  7. Ground lamb is best served medium, which is an internal temperature of 160°F.
  8. Transfer the burgers to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
  9. While the burgers rest, combine the diced cucumber with the yogurt mixture and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  10. Assemble the burgers by placing a slice of onion on the bottom of each roll, top with tomato, a lamb burger and a spoonful of sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe Notes:

You can serve the onion slices raw if you prefer, we just like the slightly mellower flavor that develops from that brief amount of time on the grill.

© Lynne Webb
Category: Sandwiches