Lamb Burgers

The weather is warming up around here and that means it's grillin' time for us!  When the kids hear grill, the first thing they request are burgers.  I like to mix it up a little and try different spices and toppings, and sometimes a different type of meat.... this time we used lamb.

I altered a recipe printed in Cottage Living via Sara Foster a few years back... it was called 'Grilled Lamb Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce'.  Here's what I used for our lamb burgers (to feed two adults and three kids (who eat like hungry adults)).

Ingredients for Lamb Burgers:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp of fresh oregano, chopped
• 4 tbsp of fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tsp of sea salt
• 1 tsp of ground pepper
• 1/2 cup of cucumber sauce (see below)
• 2 lbs of ground lamb
• 8 burger buns, toasted (we used sprouted whole grain bread, like this)

Directions:  Combine the garlic, oregano, mint, salt and pepper in a large bowl.  Add the cucumber sauce and mix well.  Then add the lamb and combine (don't mix it too much or the meat will be crumbly and fall apart).  Form eight patties.  Grill the lamb burgers over medium-high heat, turning only once (about three minutes of each side).  Remove the burgers from the grill, cover loosely and let them rest for about five minutes. 

Ingredients for the Cucumber Sauce:

• 1/2 of a small red onion, diced
• 1 cucumber, grated and diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• juice from 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 2 cups of mayonnaise  

Directions:  Combine all the ingredients for the sauce, except the mayo, and stir to blend.  Then add the mayo and mix well.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

After the burgers have rested for about five minutes, open and line the toasted bread with about two tbsp of cucumber sauce, a lettuce leaf (we used kale), an onion slice, a slice of tomato, and pickle or cucumber slices.  Then place the burger on the bread.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

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