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Juicy Lamb Burgers with Mint, Tzatziki, and Pesto Recipe

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4.2 from 27 reviews

These juicy lamb burgers are bursting with Mediterranean flavors, featuring aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Served with fresh mint, cooling tzatziki made from Greek yogurt and cucumber, and a vibrant homemade basil pesto, these burgers make a perfect gourmet meal that's easy to prepare and packed with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Burgers:

  • 400 g lamb mince
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 small bunch fresh mint, leaves picked

For the Tzatziki:

  • 200 g Greek yoghurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1 small handful fresh mint, chopped
  • salt, to taste

For the Pesto:

  • 100 g pine nuts
  • 25 g parmesan, grated
  • 1 bunch fresh basil, leaves picked
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 50 ml olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pesto: Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until golden. In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted pine nuts, parmesan, basil leaves, garlic clove, and lemon juice. While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Set aside.
  2. Make the Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber, then place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. In a bowl, mix the Greek yoghurt with the grated cucumber, chopped fresh mint, and salt to taste. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Prepare the Lamb Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince with minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the meat.
  4. Form the Patties: Divide the lamb mixture into equal portions and shape them into burger patties, about 2 cm thick and slightly larger than your burger buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
  5. Cook the Lamb Burgers: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F) and the meat is cooked through but still juicy.
  6. Prepare Fresh Garnishes: Slice the cucumber and tomato. Pick fresh mint leaves to garnish the burgers before serving.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous spoonful of pesto on the bottom bun, add the cooked lamb burger patty, then top with a dollop of tzatziki, sliced cucumber, tomato, and fresh mint leaves. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately for best flavor and juiciness.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the cucumber when making tzatziki to prevent it from becoming watery.
  • You can toast the pine nuts either in a dry pan or in an oven at 180°C for 5 minutes.
  • For extra juiciness, avoid pressing the burgers down while cooking.
  • This recipe pairs well with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/juicy-lamb-burgers-with-mint-tzatziki-and-pesto-recipe/