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Greek Lamb-Feta Burgers With Cucumber Sauce

SUBMITTED BY: USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

"These grilled lamb burgers are served with slices of ripe tomatoes and red onion in pita bread with a fresh tasting cucumber sauce seasoned with fresh mint and garlic."

SERVINGS

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Servings
 

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

  • 4 large unpeeled garlic cloves
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground lamb
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 large cucumber, peeled, grated and squeezed very dry in a clean towel
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon red or rice wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 large, thin tomato slices
  • 4 large, thin tomato slices
  • 4 small (4 inch) pita breads

DIRECTIONS

  1. Set 4 whole garlic cloves in a small skillet over medium-high heat; toast until spotty brown, about 5 minutes. Peel, mince and set aside.
  2. Break up lamb in a medium bowl. Sprinkle roasted garlic, feta, oregano, salt and pepper over meat; stir with a fork to combine. Divide into 4 portions. Toss meat back and forth between cupped hands to form a ball. Pat with fingertips to flatten to about 4 inches wide. Refrigerate.
  3. Mix cucumber, sour cream, mint, vinegar, 1 minced clove of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Refrigerate sauce until ready to serve.
  4. Build a hot fire on one side of grill. Replace rack. When coals are covered with white ash, add burgers. Cover and cook, turning only once, until done, about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium to medium-well burgers.
  5. Grill pitas until spotty brown and warm, a minute or so per side. Split crosswise. Spread a couple of tablespoons of sauce over 4 pita halves. Top each with an onion slice, a tomato slice and a burger. Spread a portion of the remaining sauce over each burger. Top with remaining pita halves.

FOOTNOTES

  • For gas grill
  • About 20 minutes before serving, preheat grill with all burners on high for about 10 minutes. Use a wire brush to clean rack, then use tongs to wipe a rag soaked in vegetable oil over it. Close lid and let reheat. Add burgers; cook, covered, about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-well.
  • This recipe was originally featured in the USA WEEKEND article Not Your Average Burger.
  • Find the Perfect Recipe from Pam Anderson.
  • Pam Anderson is the author of four cookbooks, including her latest, Perfect Recipes for Having People Over.
  • Copyright 2005 USA WEEKEND and columnist Pam Anderson. All rights reserved.

REVIEWS

The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Apr. 14, 2008 by HANDYWOMAN1
Wonderful--Tastes like authentic greek food. It's kind of hard to eat a burger in the pita so... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Aug. 29, 2007 by JAM
I have been making this recipe for about a year. My whole family loves it. Great change of... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Jun. 25, 2008 by hbmb1019
The burger and cucumber sauce tasted just like a gyro. The burger grilled great and the cold... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 4, 2008 by Kelly
I've made this recipe twice now and loved it. The sauce is the best part- very authentic. I am... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 2, 2007 by jaimeruckel
This recipe is fantastic!! My husband wanted something "different" for dinner & suggested... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on May 6, 2007 by NEWSBYCAPRICE
This is the best lamb-burger recipe I have ever tried! The flavors of the Feta and the lamb... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 21, 2006 by maddoxdy
The closest I've come to Gyros. I cheated and used a prepared tazzi sauce, but it came out great. MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Feb. 21, 2008 by cookinginOH
Absolutely wonderful!!! Two thumbs up from my husband. I'll definitely make this again! MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Jan. 1, 2008 by platypusofdeath
The only reason I am giving this 4 stars is that I haven't tried this entire recipe yet. I... MORE
The reviewer gave this recipe 3 stars. This recipe averages a 0 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 22, 2007 by Debbsterina