West of the Middle East lamb burger

Pairs well with:

Pinot Noir

Every pour of our Pinot Noir brings you a delicious blend of berry flavors and the romantic aroma of violet.

I am originally from Russia but I have Middle Eastern roots.My grandparents have introduced me to an amazing world of spices and tastes no other cuisine offers with lots of garlic and fresh herbs. Lamb was often the meat of choice for my family. Most of the veggies grew right outside in the garden. Here in America, Middle Eastern food is well represented, but I wanted to make something from my culture into an all American favorite.

Ingredients:

Patties:
Salt / pepper to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp red pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp parsley
1 small egg
1/8 cup milk
1/8 cup regular breadcrumbs
2 lbs ground lamb,

Sauce:
2 cloves of garlic
4-5 strands of cilantro
½ cup of mayo
½ tsp red pepper

Veggies:
1 head of romaine lettuce chopped
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 small red onion, diced fine
1/2 cup of Kalamata olives
8 ounces of Feta cheese crumbled into 1/2 inch size bits

Dressing:
2 ounces of olive oil
1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
Fresh oregano and thyme chopped fine (to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

1-2 loaves of ciabatta bread (depending on length)

Instructions:

Patties:
In a medium mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients except for lamb. Mix and let sit until the breadcrumbs dissolve and the mixture becomes even (about 5 minutes). Add lamb. Mix well. Make thin large patties, take cilantro and garlic and rub a thin layer right onto the thin patty, add another patty on top, repeat with another thin layer of garlic and cilantro. Repeat if you desire a bigger burger. Finish by putting the same layer of garlic/cilantro mix on the top of the patty.

Grill on medium setting for about 2 minutes, turn over and continue grilling for about 4 more minutes until well done.

Sauce:
Using a cheese grader shred the garlic. Chop the cilantro finely. Mix mayo, red pepper and half of the garlic and cilantro. Mix the other half of cilantro and garlic and set aside for patties.

Veggies:
Mix the veggies with the dressing

To assemble the burger, toast the open side of the ciabatta bread. Put the mayo sauce on the bottom half of the ciabatta bread. Put two patties on top of the bread then add the veggies on top of the patties and finish up with the other half of the bread.