The Kitchn: Greek spices make this lamb burger a fantastic finale to grilling season
It's hard to deny a burger during grilling season, but by September the standard cheeseburger has started to feel a little old. The good news? It doesn't take much to switch things up. By adding a few spices, changing up the protein, swapping out the cheese, or making a special sauce, you can have an entirely new and flavorful burger on your hands.
Most recently I've been enjoying a Greek-style lamb burger, inspired by a burger I fell in love with several years ago at an organic cafe in downtown New York City. The rich, gamey burger is packed with classic Greek herbs and spices -- such as cinnamon, coriander, mint and oregano -- which creates a fresh boost of flavor not often found in burger patties. The whole thing is topped with tzatzizki and fresh veggies.
The Secret to This Burger Is All in the Sauce
Tzatziki is a classic Greek condiment that's often served alongside grilled meats or kebabs, or as part of a mezze platter as a dip for veggies or pita. It's a simple mix of thick strained yogurt, cucumbers, lemon juice or vinegar, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs such as dill and mint. What's not to love?
The creamy, rich and tangy sauce helps round out the hearty lamb in this dish -- but you'll love it for more than just burgers. Tzatziki pairs well with almost any summer dish, be it a simple salad, grilled fish, spiced chicken or even a turkey sandwich.
Greek-Style Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki
Makes 4 burgers
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
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