Spiced Lamb Burgers

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read reviews [6]

Serves 4

by Bruce Weinstein, Mark Scarbrough
from Fine Cooking
Issue 117
Last Edit Date: 6/8/2012 4:37:29 PM

A bright, fresh herb sauce, sliced tomato, and a dollop of cool yogurt balance the warm spices in these burgers.

more about:

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

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by ColleenCC, 6/16/2013Loved! A nice way to jazz up a burger, love the combo of Mediterranean spice flavours. We mixed the topping paste into the Greek yoghurt and added some crumbled feta. Would make again!

by Artzee2, 6/14/2013Excellent recipe......the spices are great. My husband loves it.

by spyce, 6/14/2013I'm not a fan of lamb so I use ground beef and then add in a 1/4 lb or so of ground lamb for a light lamb flavor. I love the combination of spices!

by MidwesternFoodie, 6/28/2012The whole family agreed this was the best recipe I've tried in a while---fan-freakin-tastic! Served with a cucumber,dill,feta salad from this site---great pairing. Will definitely make these again.

by DJ, 5/25/2012Good Middle Eastern flavor. Will make again for certain, but will reduce the salt by a 1/4 teaspoon in the lamb mixture.

by NMCooker, 5/6/2012Easy and delicious!