Feta Stuffed Lamb Burgers

A while ago I mentioned I went on a trip to the International Market and found some great new ingredients. After a great recommendation from my neighbor, Ruvy, I purchased a new brand of feta cheese– Sütdiyarı: BeyazPeynir (Picture of the feta you must find!)

There is nothing else like fresh feta cheese. It is tangy, creamy, salty, and delicious. The first time I tried it, I simply sprinkled a little on a side salad and I was obsessed. I knew I wanted to take full advantage of this miraculous find.

I love Mediterranean flavors and food; it is fresh, light, and versatile. Last night I wanted a Mediterranean-themed dinner, complete with baba ghanoush, olives, tzatziki, and chicken and lamb Greek burgers. Okay, so maybe I made it slighty inauthentic… But I was dying to put a new spin on Stuffed Burgers… Greek Style!

I used ground lamb for the adventurous and ground chicken for the not so adventurous. I stuffed as much of that creamy, fresh feta cheese the burgers would allow and topped it with tzatziki sauce, red onions, and tomatoes.

I am just so happy right now.

Feta Stuffed Lamb Burgers inspired by Closet Cooking:

2 pounds ground lamb

½ small onion, finely chopped

4 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano, dried

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Mix the lamb, onion, garlic, oregano, dill, mint, lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form 1o even thin patties, about ½ inch thick. Place feta cheese in the center of 5 patties. Top each patty with another patty and seal the edges.
3. Grill burgers over medium-high heat, flipping once until cooked through.
4. Top burgers with tzatziki, sliced red onion, and tomato.

Tzatziki Sauce by Closet Cooking:

1 cup Greek yogurt or strained yogurt

1 cup cucumber (peeled, seeded, and shredded, squeezed and drained)

4 cloves garlic (minced)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or mint (optional)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 splash ouzo (optional)

Salt & pepper to taste

1. Mix everything and let chill in the fridge for an hour or more to let the flavours mingle.
2. Serve with pita bread or on top of lamb burger.