Spiced Lamb Burgers
by Bruce Weinstein, Mark Scarbrough
A bright, fresh herb sauce, sliced tomato, and a dollop of cool yogurt balance the warm spices in these burgers.
Serves 4
1-1/2 lb. ground lamb
1 Tbs. plus 1/4 cup olive oil; more for the grill
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
2 Tbs. packed fresh oregano
1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 6-inch pitas, halved and warmed
Sliced tomato, for serving
Plain Greek yogurt, for serving
Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the lamb with 1 Tbs. of the olive oil, the coriander, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Form into four 1/2-inch-thick burgers.
Oil the grill grate. Grill the burgers for 5 minutes, then flip and continue to grill until an instant read thermometer inserted into a burger registers 145°F for medium, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, put the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil in a mini food processor with the parsley, cilantro, oregano, vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Process until a coarse paste forms, scraping the sides of the processor at least once.
Serve each burger in a pita half with the sauce, sliced tomato, and a dollop of yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
A rice salad studded with plenty of summery vegetables or a
Cucumber and Herb Salad with Crumbled Feta would make a delicious accompaniment.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
580;
Fat
(g):
41;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
360;
Saturated Fat
(g):
12;
Protein
(g):
32;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
22;
Carbohydrates
(g):
19;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
3.5;
Sodium
(mg):
750;
Cholesterol
(mg):
115;
Fiber
(g):
2;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 117
, pp. 17
May 3, 2012