Lamb Burgers with Minted Yogurt Sauce

Juicy lamb patties meet their perfect match in a cooling minted cucumber yogurt sauce, creating a burger that’s anything but ordinary. This Mediterranean-inspired pairing balances the rich savoriness of lamb with the refreshing brightness of mint. 

SHOPPING LIST: 

1 pound ground lamb 

2 Tablespoons Bella Cucina Mint & Pistachio Pesto

1 Tablespoon Bella Cucina Roasted Eggplant Pesto

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh mint 

Zest of 1 lemon 

1 teaspoon Bella Cucina Wild Oregano & Sage Salt 

1/8 teaspoon black pepper 

¾ cup Greek yogurt 

1/4 cub finely chopped cucumber 

1 head Butter or Bibb lettuce 

PREPARATION: 

In a medium bowl, add  the lamb, 1 Tablespoon mint pesto, eggplant pesto, mint, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Mix with a spoon or clean hands until well combined.  Form into 4 large patties, or 8 smaller patties.   Refrigerate until ready to cook. 

Grill over medium heat, cooking 3-4 minutes on each side. If sautéing, add 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil  olive oil to a cast iron or grill pan and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes each side. 

To make the Minted yogurt sauce, mix the yogurt, 1 Tablespoon of the mint pesto and cucumber until blended. Refrigerate until ready to use. 

Place the lamb burger in a few stacked leaves of butter lettuce. Top with the yogurt sauce.  

VARIATIONS:

Serve in halved pita bread or on sliced of toasted ciabatta bread 

You can also make mini meatballs, like a falafel style size.

bake lamb meatballs in a 375 degree oven for 9-12 minutes, depending on the size. 

*makes 4 large patties or 8 small