LAMB BURGERS WITH FETA TZATZIKI SPREAD

Lamb Burgers with Feta Tzatziki Spread image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

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Extra-virgin olive oil
2 red onions, 1 cut into 1/4-inch dice and 1 sliced, for garnish
Kosher salt
Pinch crushed red pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely smashed
1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
2 sprigs fresh oregano, finely chopped
1/2 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
Zest of 1/2 lemon
4 whole wheat pitas or 4 seeded hamburger buns
Feta Tzatziki Spread, recipe follows
1 beefsteak tomato, sliced, for garnish
2 cups baby spinach, for garnish
2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
2 sprigs fresh mint, leaves cut into chiffonade
1 small bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
1/2 English cucumber, coarsely grated
Kosher salt

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 oregano, dill, mint, 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 pitas in half. Schmear each half generously with the Feta Tzatziki Spread. Top one half with a burger, then tomatoes, sliced onions and spinach. Place the other pita half on top.
Combine the yogurt, feta, vinegar, garlic, mint, dill and cucumbers. Season with salt. Let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature before serving.