Lamb Burgers

Ground lamb is very similar to taste as ground beef but just a little different, but you can use it for any ground beef recipe.  Lamb Burgers are very tasty and I think tend to be a little juicer than ground beef.  I was inspired by an Emeril Lagasse recipe for my take on lamb burgers, served on homemade buns of course.  The lamb was tender and juicy with nice flavor from the spices and the buns I made were ok, but a little bready; check out my other link for the buns!  The Feta spread is cheesy and thick with a little kick to help cut the cheesiness. I served the burgers with sweet potato cajun fries as a side dish.

Lamb Burgers with Feta Spread
adapted from Emeril at Food Network

2 1/4 pounds ground lamb
1 tbsp minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, plus 1/8 teaspoon

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

4 ounces goat cheese , softened

2 tbsp plain greek yogurt

Juice from 1/2 lemon

1 tsp olive oil

6 hamburger buns

Thinly sliced tomatoes, for garnish, optional

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the lamb, garlic, salt, cumin, allspice, 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne, and the cinnamon and mix gently but thoroughly to combine. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6 wide patties about 1/2-inch thick and transfer to a large plate or a platter. *Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

*I didn't refrigerate the patties and they turned out just fine.

Feta dip: Combine the remaining 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, feta cheese, cream cheese, greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl and stir to blend well. *Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight to allow flavors to blend.

*I didn't refrigerate for the specified amount of time and it came out fine.

When ready to cook the burgers, preheat a grill to medium-high. When the grill is hot, add the burgers and cook for about 4 minutes on each side for medium. Transfer the burgers to a platter and cover loosely with foil. Place the buns, cut sides down, and in batches if necessary, in the hot skillets and cook until warmed through and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Serve the buns with the cooked burgers and spoon some of the feta spread over each burger. Garnish with lettuce, tomatoes, if desired, and serve immediately.

Looking good with sweet potato fries!