LAMB AND FETA SLIDERS WITH MINT AIOLI

Lamb and Feta Sliders with Mint Aioli image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Time 24m

Yield 16 sliders

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon canola oil
16 small Hawaiian sweet rolls or potato rolls
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced paper thin
Mint Aioli, recipe follows
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
4 cloves garlic
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 egg yolks, organic if possible
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 cup extra light, extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

Preheat a grill to indirect heat, low setting, approximately 325 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, add the lamb, garlic, red onion and feta. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands. Form the mixture into 16 small patties (about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 1/4-inch thick). Use your index finger to press a shallow dimple into the center of each patty. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to grill.
In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, pomegranate molasses and soy sauce.
Oil a paper towel with the canola oil and wipe down the grill grates several times to well coat with the oil. Immediately place the patties on the grill (dimple-side down) and cook for 8 minutes. Turn over, baste the tops with the balsamic mixture and cook for 4 to 6 minutes more (or to 130 degrees F for medium rare and 140 degrees F for medium).
Remove from the grill and place on the Hawaiian sweet rolls or potato rolls. Add 2 slices of cucumber and a teaspoon of the Mint Aioli. Serve garnished with mint leaves.
Mince the garlic, and then sprinkle the salt on top, and continue to mince and smash the salt into the garlic to form a paste. In a small bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, blend the yolks, garlic paste, lemon juice and mustard powder. Slowly add the olive oil to the yolk mixture in a very slow steady stream until the mixture is emulsified. Add the fresh mint and pepper and pulse until incorporated. Refrigerate.