Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with these mouthwatering Lamb Kofte Burgers! Imagine biting into a perfectly spiced, juicy lamb patty nestled in a warm, soft flatbread, crowned with cool, creamy tzatziki that will make your flavor sensors dance with joy. This isn't just a burger - it's a culinary adventure that combines traditional Greek flavors with the comfort of a handheld meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g minced lamb
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 flatbreads
- For Tzatziki: 1 cucumber, grated
- 200g Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki while you prepare the lamb koftes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until well incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Divide the lamb mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, you can add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the grill or skillet is hot, add the lamb koftes and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 70°C (160°F).
- While the koftes are cooking, warm the flatbreads on the grill or in a separate skillet for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are soft and pliable.
- Once the koftes are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- To serve, place a lamb kofta on each flatbread, add a generous spoonful of tzatziki, and any additional toppings you desire, such as sliced tomatoes or red onion. Roll up the flatbread and enjoy your delicious lamb kofta burgers!
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful koftes, use freshly ground lamb with a slight fat content (around 20%) to keep the meat juicy.
- When mixing the lamb, use a light touch. Overworking the meat can make your koftes tough and dense.
- The indentation in the center of each patty helps prevent them from puffing up and ensures even cooking.
- Let your koftes rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- For extra authenticity, try grilling the flatbreads directly over an open flame to get those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor.
- If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works perfectly for achieving a delicious crust on your lamb koftes.
- Make the tzatziki ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
