Outdoor cooking is one of the best ways to embrace and celebrate the warmer temperatures now upon us. Greek cuisine is one of my all-time favourites, and this personal recipe of mine for Greek Burgers is sure to be a hit at your next backyard cookout. Feel free to replace the lamb with beef, if you’re not a lamb lover – but I personally love the flavour of lamb in this recipe. Fresh herbs are a must – this is not a recipe for utilizing your spice rack.
Happy cooking!
Greek Lamb Burgers
500g lean ground lamb (or lean ground beef)
1 large egg
7 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste
3 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
100g feta cheese, crumbled fine
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and divide equally into four portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty.
2. On a preheated BBQ, grill the burgers over medium heat until cooked through or alternatively in a preheated pan over medium heat. Approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side but an instant read thermometer is the way to go: 71 degrees C or 160 degrees F.
3. Serve with Tzatziki, and lettuce, and optional tomato on your favourite burger buns.
Makes 4 burgers
Greek Tzatziki
“Do not peel the cucumbers, as the skin adds a lot of colour”
1/2 long English cucumber, grated
250g plain yogurt
2 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to season
1. Put grated cucumbers in a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze to remove moisture.
2. Place drained cucumbers in a bowl and add all the other ingredients; stir to combine.
Chef Dez is a Chef, Writer, & Host. Visit him at www.chefdez.com
Write to him at dez@chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6R4
