Lamb Burgers
2 pounds ground lamb
1 shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil (if cooking on a stovetop)
4 rounds pita bread, sliced into pockets and toasted
In a large bowl, combine the lamb with the shallot, garlic, thyme, pepper, and salt. Form 4 patties, each about 3/4 inch thick. Place on a medium-hot grill and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side. (To cook on a stovetop, heat the oil in a grill pan over medium heat and cook the patties 6 minutes per side.) Serve in the pita pockets and top with Cucumber-Mint Relish, if desired, and mint leaves to taste.
Cucumber Mint Relish
1 cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek)
1/2 cucumber, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh mint, chopped
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, fresh mint, and kosher salt. Mix well.
Yield: 4 servings
NUTRITION PER SERVING FOR RELISH
CALORIES 40(0% from fat); FAT 2g (sat 1g); CHOLESTEROL 8mg; CALCIUM 78mg; CARBOHYDRATE 3g; SODIUM 173mg; PROTEIN 2mg; FIBER 0g; IRON 0mg
NUTRITION PER SERVING FOR BURGERS:
CALORIES 607(0% from fat); FAT 31g (sat 13g); CHOLESTEROL 150mg; CALCIUM 96mg; CARBOHYDRATE 35g; SODIUM 735mg; PROTEIN 44mg; FIBER 2g; IRON 5mg