Mediterranean Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, packed with delicious herbs, spices, and ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine. These juicy burgers are made with ground lamb or beef and are flavored with garlic, oregano, parsley, and feta cheese. Served with toppings like tzatziki, roasted red peppers, and fresh vegetables, these burgers are perfect for grilling season or any time you crave something different.
Ingredients:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground lamb or ground beef (or a mix of both)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns or pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced tomatoes
- Roasted red peppers
- Fresh spinach or arugula
- Kalamata olives (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the burger patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef, crumbled feta, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Mix gently until all the ingredients are well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Cook the burgers:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast the burger buns or pita bread on the grill or in the oven. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the bottom bun or pita. Add a burger patty and top with sliced cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, spinach or arugula, and Kalamata olives (if using).
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean burgers with extra tzatziki on the side and enjoy!
These Mediterranean Burgers are bursting with fresh, bold flavors. Pair them with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
