Champion Lamb Burgers Recipes

Steps:

• Add the cumin, coriander, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, cinnamon and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a small bowl and stir to combine. Add the ground lamb to a large bowl and break up slightly with a fork. Add the spice mixture to the lamb and using clean hands, mix the meat so the spice mixture is evenly dispersed. Form the meat into 4 equal size patties to fit the size of the buns.
• Brush the grates of an outdoor grill with oil and preheat to medium-high. On one side of the grill add the burgers and cook until the internal temperature is 145 degrees F, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the burgers to a plate. Once you remove the burgers, place the buns, cut side- down on the grill to lightly toast, about 2 minutes.
• To assemble burgers: Lay buns on a clean work surface, cut side-up. Spread the Tzatziki Sauce evenly on the top and bottom halves of the buns. Place a patty on each of the bottom buns and top with Charred Tomatoes and Feta. Place the top buns on and serve.
• Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Using clean hands, squeeze as much liquid as possible out of the cucumber. Add it to a small bowl and stir in the sour cream, dill, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Add the tomatoes to a large bowl and place the onions on top. Add the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt and, using clean hands, rub the onions so they are coated in olive oil, but try to keep them intact in their rings. Lay the onions on a plate or rimmed baking sheet. The residual salt and oil will have dripped down to the tomatoes, so give them a slight toss to coat them. Skewer the tomatoes on a metal or wood skewer. This will help them not fall through the grates of the grill. (If using a wood skewer then be sure to soak in water for 30 minutes before using.)
• Brush the grates of an outdoor grill with oil and preheat to medium-high. Add the onions and tomatoes and grill until the onions are charred in places and the tomatoes are slightly bursting, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the onions and tomatoes and add to a medium bowl. Using kitchen shears, roughly cut up the onions and tomatoes. Add the crumbled feta and toss to combine. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Steps:

• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, toss in the diced onions and season with salt and crushed red pepper. Bring the pan to medium-high heat and cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 to 4 more minutes. Turn the heat off and let cool.
• In a large bowl, combine the lamb, the cooled onion mixture, the dill, mint, oregano, lemon zest and 1/2 to 3/4 cup water. Sprinkle with salt and combine well. Make a little "tester patty," cook it and taste for seasoning.
• Preheat the grill.
• Form the lamb mixture into 4 equal patties and sprinkle with salt. Grill the burgers to your desired doneness, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove the burgers from the grill and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Cut the Whole-Wheat Pitas in half. Schmear each half generously with the Pickled Feta Spread. Top one half with a burger, then tomatoes, sliced onions and spinach. Place the other pita half on top.
• In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar and yeast and let sit for 15 minutes.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flours, cumin, salt and cayenne. Add the yeast mixture and the olive oil. Mix on medium speed to combine and knead the dough. It should take 6 to 7 minutes. The dough will be firm and not sticky or tacky.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll into 7-inch rounds (1/4-inch thick). Divide the dough between 2 sheet trays, cover them loosely with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and let rest for 20 minutes.
• Bake the pitas for 3 to 4 minutes, then turn the pitas over and bake for 2 more minutes. Let cool and use as desired.
• Place the vinegar, sugar, salt, tea bags, bay leaf and herb stems, if using, in a small saucepan along with 1 cup water. Heat until the sugar and salt has dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Place the feta in a small container. Add the vinegar mixture and be sure that the feta is submerged in the liquid. Let sit for a couple of hours outside the refrigerator if using right away, or in the refrigerator if using in the future.
• Strain the feta from the pickling liquid and discard the tea bags, bay leaf and stems. Place the feta in a food processor and add the yogurt. Pulse until combined.

Steps:

• Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Thoroughly mix ground lamb, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl; shape into 4 patties.
• Cook the burgers until they are beginning to firm and are hot and slightly pink in the center, about 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Alternately, you can cook the burgers to your desired degree of doneness. Rest burgers while assembling toppings.
• Mix mayonnaise and mustard together in a small bowl; spread 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto one side of each bun. Put a burger onto each bun and top with tomato and greens. Sandwich with remaining bun half to serve.