Greek Lamb Feta Burgers With Cucumber Sauce

4.7
(97)
69 Reviews
6 Photos

These grilled lamb burgers with feta 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.

Submitted by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson
Updated on February 15, 2023
close up view of a Greek Lamb Feta Burgers With Cucumber Sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, on pita bread, served with breaded zucchini, on a colorful plate
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Lamb Patties:

  • 4 large unpeeled garlic cloves

  • 1 ¼ pounds ground lamb

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cucumber Sauce:

  • ½ large cucumber, peeled, grated and squeezed very dry in a clean towel

  • ¾ cup sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves

  • 1 teaspoon red or rice wine vinegar

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • salt and pepper to taste

Other:

  • 4 small (4 inch) pita breads

  • 4 large, thin red onion slices

  • 4 large, thin tomato slices

Directions

  1. Make patties: Place 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 with minced toasted garlic, feta, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir with a fork to combine. Divide into 4 equal portions. Toss each portion back and forth between cupped hands to form a ball. Pat with fingertips to flatten to about 4-inches wide. Refrigerate patties.

  3. Make sauce: Mix together cucumber, sour cream, mint, vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

  4. Cook patties: Build a hot fire on one side of the grill. Replace the rack. When coals are covered with white ash, place patties on the rack and close the lid. Cook on the preheated grill until done, about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium to medium-well burgers. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of patties should read at least 160 degrees F (72 degrees C). Remove patties to a plate to rest.

  5. Toast pitas on the hot grill until spotty brown and warm, about 1 minute per side. Split toasted pitas crosswise. Spread about 2 tablespoons sauce over 4 pita halves. Top each with a red onion slice, a tomato slice, and a burger patty. Spread remaining sauce over each burger. Top with remaining pita halves.

Tips

To Cook on a Gas Grill: About 20 minutes before serving, preheat the grill with all burners on high for about 10 minutes. Use a wire brush to clean the rack, then use tongs to wipe a rag soaked in vegetable oil over it. Close the lid and let reheat. Cook lamb patties on the preheated grill, covered, until done, about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium to medium-well burgers. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of patties should read at least 160 degrees F (72 degrees C).

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

650 Calories
47g Fat
25g Carbs
31g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 650
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 47g 60%
Saturated Fat 23g 115%
Cholesterol 139mg 46%
Sodium 761mg 33%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 31g 62%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 220mg 17%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 595mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.