Greek-Style Lamb Feta Burgers with Cool Cucumber Sauce

Ingredients List

Lamb Burger Patties:

• 4 large unpeeled garlic cloves

• 1 ¼ pounds ground lamb

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:

• ½ large cucumber, peeled, grated and squeezed very dry in a clean towel

• ¾ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves

• 1 teaspoon red or rice wine vinegar

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• salt and pepper to taste

Additional Information:

• 4 small (4 inch) pita breads

• 4 large, thin red onion slices

• 4 large, thin tomato slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the patties: Heat garlic cloves in a small pan over medium-high heat, toasting them until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Peel, chop, and set aside.

2. Prepare lamb: In a medium-sized bowl, break up the lamb. Add in the minced garlic, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with a fork. Divide the mixture into four equal parts, roll each into a ball, and gently press them into 4-inch wide patties. Chill the patties in the fridge.

3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine cucumber, sour cream, fresh mint, vinegar, and garlic. Stir until well-mixed, then season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to use.

4. Cook the patties: Set up a hot grill with coals on one side. Once the coals are ashed over, place the patties on the grill rack and close the lid. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium to medium-well burgers. Use a thermometer to ensure the patties reach at least 160°F (72°C). Let the patties rest before serving.

5. Toast the pitas: Grill the pita halves until they are warm and lightly browned, about 1 minute per side. Spread about 2 tablespoons of cucumber sauce on each of 4 pita halves. Add a slice of red onion, a slice of tomato, and a lamb patty to each. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and top with the remaining pita halves.

Helpful Hints

For Cooking on a Gas Grill: Preheat the grill by turning all burners to high for about 10 minutes, 20 minutes before serving. Clean the rack with a wire brush, then use tongs to wipe it with a rag soaked in vegetable oil. Close the lid and allow it to reheat. Grill the lamb patties, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Check with an instant-read thermometer to ensure the patties have reached 160°F (72°C).

Nutritional Information (per serving)