Lamb Burger

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Parsley, dill, cumin, and garlic give these burgers a lively flavor reminiscent of a lamb gyro. The burger is enhanced by a tangy topping of feta, arugula, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The recipe is based on one from Michael Psilakis, the chef at Anthos, a New York City restaurant.
lamb burger Photo: Andre Baranowski
2 tbsp. plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. minced yellow onion
12 oz. ground lamb
4 oz. ground pork
2 tsp. dijon mustard
1 tsp. each finely chopped parsley,
mint, and dill
1 tsp. dried Greek oregano
1⁄2 tsp. ground coriander
1⁄2 tsp. ground cumin
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 scallion, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,
to taste
1⁄3 cup crumbled feta cheese
10 leaves baby arugula
8 black olives in oil, drained, pitted,
   and roughly chopped
8 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
  and roughly chopped
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

2 hamburger buns, toasted


1. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in an 8" skillet over high heat. Add onions; cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer onions to a plate; let cool. In a bowl, mix onions, lamb, pork, mustard, herbs, spices, garlic, scallions, and salt and pepper. Form meat into two 1"-thick patties; set aside.

2. Prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire or heat a gas grill to medium-high (or heat a tablespoon of canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat). Grill burgers, flipping once, until browned and cooked to desired doneness, about 10 minutes for medium rare. In a small bowl, combine feta, arugula, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes; toss with the remaining oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Place each burger on the bottom half of a bun and top each with the vegetables and bun top.

Pairing Note A juicy, spicy red like the Cristom Vineyards Syrah 2005 ($30), from Oregon, complements this lamb burger, with its vibrant flavor. —Ania Zawieja

MAKES 2 BURGERS

This article was first published in Saveur in Issue #122

Ratings & Reviews (5)

noAvatar
This is a wonderful burger. One suggestion I would make is to split each burger into two thinner patties and put feta (or other cheese) on top of one of the patties and then carefully put the other pattie on top and seal. The cheese melts in the middle and the result is heaven.
noAvatar
This is a great recipe. In addition to the burger and the feta,sun-dried tomato, olive mixture I whipped up a batch of tzaziki (salted cucumber, garlic, mint and yogurt) for on top. Served it on grilled pita and it was truly old world. Great flavors, easy. Didn't use the pork but it was fabulous! Will make again and share with guests.
noAvatar
Fabulous! A great make-ahead entree. Really alive with a fresh, fun and aromatic taste.
noAvatar
Found this recipe a couple of weeks back and I've been dying to make this burger. Today I got the chance! Fabulous! I went big on the dill, mint and parley 'cause I love the flavor! It was all good! My wife likes salads more than meat so I went bigger on the arugula mix too. Oh, plus a nice slice of beefsteak tomato on top of the burger. Killer!!! I'll do this one again soon.
noAvatar
FABULOUS. I was surprised they stayed together so well on the grill. Substituted pork for beef and arugula for watercress (i bet arugula would have been great, though). AHHH I should have made like 10!!!! Served with spicy potatoes and slices of cucumber.

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