Lamb and Feta Burgers

Uncooked burgers

Ready to eat!

Summertime is burger time. But if you're tired of that same-old 'Heinz-57 Sauce' flavored patty, try this tasty burger with an Armenian- Middle Eastern flare. Serve it with Armenian chopped salad, Nanny's potato salad, or both!

Lamb and Feta Burgers

Yield: about 8 patties (depending on size, of course!)

Ingredients:

2 lbs. lean ground lamb (ground beef or turkey can be substituted)

½ medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup minced flat leaf parsley
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. tomato paste diluted in 1/3 cup water (red pepper paste can be substituted for the tomato paste)
2 Tbsp. plain bread crumbs
2/3 c. crumbled feta
1 tsp. ground coriander seed
Salt and Aleppo red pepper to taste (black pepper can be substituted)


Directions:
1. Mix well. Shape into patties.
2. Cook in a skillet on the stovetop or grill as you would any hamburger. If using ground turkey, be sure to cook thoroughly!
3. Serve in a bun or a pita, topped with a *yogurt-garlic sauce or hummus. If you prefer, serve with a chopped salad or a side of bulgur or rice pilaf.
For the record: I used ground turkey (7%fat) for the recipe.


*Yogurt-Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

16 oz. plain yogurt

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

salt to taste

Directions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Mix well.

2. Chill until ready to serve, allowing flavors to blend. Can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.