The Zeus

Serves 6 Regular-Sized Burgers
Pairs well with:

Riesling Moscato

Enjoy the slightly sweeter side of Riesling and delight in the fruits of summer. This wine makes a splash with juicy peach flavors, and a dash of Moscato’s creamy apricots and melons.

Juicy Greek lamb patties stuffed with feta and kalamata olives paired with creamy hummus, grilled eggplant, red onion, and crisp peppery arugula.  Tangy tzatziki sauce is the perfect finishing touch for this Greek gyro inspired burger.

Ingredients:

Patties:

  • 1½ Pounds ground lamb
  • 6 Garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ Cup kalamata olives, finely chopped
  • 3 Teaspoons oregano
  • 1½ Teaspoons parsley
  • 1½ Teaspoons salt
  • 1 Teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ Teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ Cup bread crumbs
  • 1-2 Tablespoons crumbled feta
  • 6 Slices mozzarella
  • 6 Plain white buns

Grilled Eggplant:

  • 1 Large or 2 small eggplants
  • 2 Teaspoons salt
  • 1 Teaspoon pepper
  • 2 Teaspoons garlic powder

Hummus:

  • 19 Ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 Garlic cloves
  • 2 Teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ Teaspoon cumin
  • ½ Teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 Teaspoons salt
  • 1 Teaspoon pepper
  • 2-3 Tablespoons olive oil

Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 2 Cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 1½ Cucumbers
  • 4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons dill
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ Teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 Cup arugula
  • 1 Red onion

Instructions:

Patties:

  1. Add ground lamb, olives, seasonings, and breadcrumbs into a large bowl and mix with hands until well incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the meat or it will become dry and tough
  2. Split into 6 even portions. Roll each portion into a ball and press your thumb into the center to create a hole
  3. Stuff with 1-2 tablespoons of crumbled feta. Close the hole and form into a patty
  4. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Grill burgers about 4 minutes each side for a medium cook
  5. Add sliced mozzarella cheese the last 2 minutes of cooking and let melt

Grilled Eggplant:

  1. Slice eggplant about ¼ inch thick
  2. Sprinkle with salt and set aside for 20-30 minutes
  3. Pat dry to remove excess moisture and season each with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
  4. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until tender but still firm

Hummus:

  1. Put all ingredients except olive oil into food processor and blend. Slowly stream in olive oil to reach desired consistency

Tzatziki Sauce:

  1. Peel and grate cucumbers. Sprinkle with salt and set aside for a few minutes to bring out excess moisture. Squeeze in a cheesecloth or kitchen towel to get rid of liquid
  2. Put all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until combined but not completely smooth
  3. Chill

Assembly:

  1. Heat up buns on the grill
  2. Spread a layer of hummus on the bottom bun, followed by the burger, grilled eggplant, sliced red onion and arugula. Drizzle tzatziki sauce on top and top with another bun
  3. Serve with extra tzatzki sauce on the side if desired