The Unfamiliar Kitchen

This, my friends, is not an ordinary burger. Not that ordinary burgers, off the grill with american cheese and ketchup isn’t anything but amazing. Because, let’s face it – they usually are. But my mom was in town this weekend and her taste buds were kickin’ for something a little special. This little lovely is a lamb burger and it’s all dressed up to the nines like its going to a partay. I’m not sure which party but where it’s going, I’m following.

These burgers seem to be all the rage these days as an alternative or new take on the plain ol’ beef burger. I had a pretty good version at The Breslin a couple weeks ago and decided to do my own variation at home. If you’ve never had lamb in a burger before, you need to get on this. Its a little more gamey, a little more exotic and over the top juicy. Over in these parts we like to sneak some lamb in our chili…oooh or in our bolognese…hmm and sometimes in our meatballs. You picking up what I’m throwing down? Just add it to the mix sometimes and see how you feel. And if you don’t like lamb, I’m really not sure where to go from here. (Just kidding, you can use beef/turkey/chicken for this one too)

So I thought these burgers could benefit from a little Mediterranean flare. There’s some garlic and cumin mixed in the meat and a little feta yogurt spread on the bun. Topped with some fresh onion, cucumber and tomato to take it to the next level. I fell in love at first bite.

Enjoy!

Mediterranean Lamb Burgers

makes 4 burgers

1 lb ground lamb

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne or red pepper

3-4 cloves minced garlic

tomato, sliced

red onion, thinly sliced

cucumber, thinly sliced

1/3 c feta cheese crumbles

1/3 c greek yogurt

4 buns or rolls (I used ciabatta)

1. Season lamb with garlic, cumin, cayenne and salt and pepper to taste. Form into 4 patties with a small indent in the center to prevent shrinking.

2. Mix together feta crumbles with greek yogurt and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Heat skillet on med-high heat and coat with 1 T of oil. Cook lamb burgers for 2-3 min on either side for medium doneness.

4. While burgers are cooking, toast buns up in a toaster oven or under the broiler.

5. Spread the top bun with feta spread and layer sliced cucumbers on top. Assemble burger with sliced tomato and onion and top with dressed up bun.