Best Big Greek Gus Burger And Cucumber Salad Recipes

MY BIG FAT GRECO INSPIRED BURGER

Steps:

• Prepare an open grill for moderate direct-heat cooking
• Seed and chop the cucumber. In a medium bowl, stir together the cucumber, yogurt, garlic, dill and feta. Refrigerate and chill for 1 hour.
• In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper. Whisk in oil until thick and well blended. Cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds. Arrange in a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish; coat well with dressing. Grill eggplant until tender, about 3 minutes each side, keep warm.
• Lamb burger:
• In a large bowl blend together lamb, mint, cumin, salt and pepper, to taste. Form 6 patties.
• Before grilling burgers, brush the grill rack with oil. Place the patties on the rack turning once, 4 minutes each side.
• Cut pitas horizontally and lightly toast over indirect heat.
• Assemble burgers as follows: pita bottom, lettuce, burger topped generously with tzatziki, a slice of grilled eggplant, and the top of the pita.

MOROCCAN BURGER SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pitas on a baking sheet and bake until crisp and golden, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, preheat a grill to medium high. Combine the ground beef, grated red onion, 1 tablespoon each olive oil and harissa, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until just combined. Form into four 1-inch-thick patties; set aside.
• Whisk the lemon juice with the remaining 1 tablespoon harissa in another large bowl. Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs and sliced red onion; toss to coat. Set aside.
• Brush the grill grates with oil. Grill the burgers about 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Add the lettuce and pita wedges to the salad bowl; toss. Top each serving of salad with the feta and burgers.

MY BIG FAT GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• Peel off a few strips of cucumber skin using a channel knife, creating a striped pattern. Cut cucumbers in half crosswise. Cut each half into quarters before cutting into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices. Place into a colander; toss with some kosher salt and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut cherry tomatoes in half. Rinse cucumbers; drain thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes more.
• While cucumbers are draining, slice onion thinly. Cut bell pepper into strips. Turn knife diagonally and cut strips into diamond-shaped pieces. Slice Kalamata and green olives.
• Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, olives, and 2 tablespoons oregano in a bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Sprinkle in vinegar and toss thoroughly. Drizzle in olive oil. Add about 2/3 of the feta cheese and toss again. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Give the salad another mix. Taste and season as desired. Scatter remaining feta cheese on top and garnish with remaining oregano.