MINI LAMB BURGERS WITH CUCUMBER YOGURT SAUCE

Mini Lamb Burgers with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce image

Provided by Ted Allen

Time 55m

Yield 8 burgers

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon nonpareil capers
1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons mustard
1 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 mini buns
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce, recipe follows
1 English cucumber
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
2 cups yogurt, preferably thick, Greek yogurt
2 sprigs fresh dill, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Heat a double-burner grill pan over medium-high heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground lamb, garlic, capers, parsley, zest, mustard, salt and pepper. Form mixture into 2 similar sized mounds in the bowl. Divide mixture in half, then half again. Form gently into 8 small patties.
Oil the grill pan with oiled paper towel held in tongs. Brown the burgers on the hot side of the grill for about 2 minutes on each side.
Turn heat down to medium and cook another 2 minutes for medium-rare, 3 to 4 minutes for medium.
Slice 8 mini buns in half and toast on grill or in broiler for about 30 to 60 seconds. Place on serving platter.
Top the bottom each bun with burger, slice of Roma tomato, and a spoonful of sauce. Cover with the bun top and serve.
Peel the cucumber and cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from both halves. Grate the cucumber on the wide holes of a grater, put it in a colander in a large bowl or sink and sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon of kosher salt. Let drain for about 20 minutes. Press the cucumber with your hands to get rid of some of the moisture and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add The yogurt, dill, mint, cumin and pepper. Stir together and spoon into a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.