Grilled Lamb and Feta Burgers

These burgers are a tiny taste of Greece. Lamb and Feta meet a traditional Tzatziki sauce. These are also great for parties and entertaining, just miniaturize into bite sized portions.

Prep: 25 min
Inactive: 10 min
Cook: 8 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 pound feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 4 to 6 rolls or buns
• Easy Tzatziki, recipe follows

Easy Tzatziki:

• 1 cup Greek whole milk yogurt
• 1 English cucumber, seeded, finely grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

1.  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.
2. 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.

Easy Tzatziki:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Chill.
2. 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.
3. What to toss in if you have it: Feel free to add some chopped fresh mint to this as well.