Here's a delicious recipe for Barbecued Greek Lamb Burgers with flavors of Mediterranean herbs and spices:
Ingredients:
For the Lamb Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or your choice)
- Lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion rings (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or mint) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lamb Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, feta cheese, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape each into a patty, about 1/2-inch thick.
- Refrigerate the patties for about 30 minutes to help them hold together on the grill.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and set aside in the fridge to chill until ready to serve.
3. Grill the Lamb Patties:
- Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Place the lamb patties on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.
- Toast the buns on the grill during the last minute of cooking, until golden.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
- Place a lamb patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on top of the patty.
- Add any optional toppings, like lettuce, tomato, or red onion rings.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve:
- Serve your Greek lamb burgers with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy!
Tips:
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the burgers right before serving for a fresh zing.
- If you like a little heat, add a few slices of fresh chili or red pepper flakes to the tzatziki sauce.
- For a twist, try adding roasted red peppers or olives to the burgers for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Enjoy these juicy and flavorful Greek lamb burgers at your next barbecue!
